FIFA pays Somali referee Omar Artan full World Cup fee after US bars him over alleged terror links; UEFA names him for Super Cup

Entry denied at Miami airport

On June 8, Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a 34-year-old Somali referee and Africa’s 2025 referee of the year, arrived at Miami International Airport to officiate matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite holding a diplomatic passport and a valid US visa, he was questioned by US Customs and Border Protection for 11 hours and then denied entry. Authorities cited an alleged “association with suspected members of terrorist organizations,” and he was put on a flight back to Turkey the same day. Artan told reporters he was asked about links to the Somali militant group Al-Shabab, which he denied any knowledge of.

“I had all the papers in order. I had the correct visa. I am simply a referee trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life: to attend the World Cup.”

US defends the decision

Andrew Giuliani, the White House’s World Cup task force chief appointed by President Donald Trump, vigorously defended the denial. Speaking to reporters at the Netherlands–Japan match in Dallas, Giuliani said Artan had been in contact “with very, very bad people” shortly before his trip.

“We will not allow shady characters to enter the United States as part of a football tournament.”

He added that there were details he could not disclose. The Trump administration had previously said Artan’s entry was blocked because of his links to suspected terror operatives. The case has drawn criticism internationally, but US officials insisted the host country has the final say on who enters its territory.

FIFA’s compensation and regrets

FIFA moved quickly to address the fallout. On June 14, multiple outlets reported that the governing body had committed to paying Artan his full tournament fee, as if he had officiated. The exact amount remains undisclosed—referees learn their final compensation after the competition based on matches officiated—but one source, citing the BBC, said it would be at least $100,000. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed regret.

“It is a shame what happened to him, but we cannot control everything.”

Infantino told a press conference in Mexico City before the opening match, “We always try to find solutions, sometimes we succeed and sometimes not. We have to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can govern governments and police forces—we are a sports organization.” FIFA stated that host governments have the last word on visa and admission decisions.

UEFA’s counter-appointment

In a pointed show of solidarity, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) announced on June 11 that Artan would referee the UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said the appointment was made “to show respect for Omar and his outstanding refereeing qualities” and emphasized that “football is meant to bring people together.” The move was framed as part of a recent cooperation agreement between UEFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to promote unity and non‑discrimination.

Artan returns a hero

After being flown back to Turkey with FIFA’s assistance, Artan returned to Mogadishu, where he was greeted as a national hero. He thanked his “people and country” and vowed to referee at the 2030 World Cup. The incident has transformed him into a symbol of resilience within the football community, with his career now poised for a high‑profile European assignment despite the US setback.