Somali World Cup Referee Omar Artan Denied Entry to US
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, selected as the first Somali official for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was denied entry to the United States at Miami International Airport despite holding a valid visa. US immigration authorities deported him to Turkey without explanation. Artan, named 2025 CAF Referee of the Year, had previously secured the visa through FIFA’s mediation. The incident has sparked diplomatic tensions and raised concerns over visa policies for international sports officials, especially given Somalia’s inclusion on US travel ban lists.
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Giuliani says ‘dozens’ of World Cup visa cases landed on his desk
Rudy Giuliani, serving as Donald Trump's point person for the 2026 World Cup, stated that 'dozens' of visa cases related to the tournament have been brought to his attention. He specifically discussed the U.S. border rejection of a Somali referee, highlighting ongoing tensions between World Cup participation and U.S. immigration enforcement. The report, published by Politico on June 14, 2026, underscores the administrative and political challenges surrounding visa approvals for international participants during the high-profile sporting event hosted in the United States.
PoliticsFIFA's decision to pay referee Omar Artan is not honourable - it is an admission of guilt
Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States for the 2026 World Cup after being interrogated for 11 hours by US immigration authorities at Miami International Airport. His diplomatic passport and visa were rejected due to alleged association with suspected terror organizations, specifically Somali militant group Al Shabab. Despite not officiating any matches, FIFA has decided to pay Artan his full wages for the tournament. The article's author, Jeremy Cross, argues this is not an act of kindness but an admission of guilt by FIFA, suggesting the governing body acknowledges it made a mistake. The piece contrasts this with FIFA's typical behavior, including high stadium food prices and blaming empty seats on fans standing on concourses. The author views this payment as a rare break from FIFA's usual shameless and self-serving conduct.
Mirror - FootballSomali Referee Gets Compensation After Missing World Cup; Blatter Criticizes FIFA
The story of Somali referee Omar Artan gained international attention after he was denied entry at Miami airport, causing him to miss officiating at the World Cup. Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter publicly criticized FIFA's handling of the situation. In response, FIFA has reportedly made financial concessions to Artan as a form of compensation, though the exact amount or terms were not disclosed. The incident highlights issues of travel restrictions and administrative failures affecting officials from less developed football nations.
kicker Fußball NewsBarred Somali Referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan to Receive Full FIFA World Cup Compensation
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was prevented from entering the United States to officiate at the World Cup due to U.S. claims of ties with suspected terrorist organizations, will still receive the full compensation set by FIFA for the tournament. Artan, named best African referee in 2025, was set to become the first Somali to officiate a World Cup but was turned away by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Upon returning to Somalia, he was welcomed as a hero. Additionally, UEFA has appointed him to referee the upcoming UEFA Super Cup between PSG and Aston Villa on August 12.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuFIFA to Pay Full Salary to Referee Omar Artan Denied US Entry for World Cup
FIFA has announced that it will pay the full salary of Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States and therefore will not officiate at the upcoming World Cup. According to a report by the BBC, the decision ensures Artan receives his contracted compensation despite being unable to travel. The incident highlights ongoing travel restrictions affecting individuals from certain countries. Artan, a referee from Somalia, was expected to participate in the tournament but was barred from entering the US, leading FIFA to honor his financial agreement.
F√∫tbol en AS.comRejected Somali Referee Omar Artan Receives Full World Cup Bonus from FIFA
Somali football referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the United States to officiate at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, will reportedly receive his full tournament fee from FIFA. According to German sports outlet kicker, the world football governing body has decided to pay Artan the complete bonus despite his inability to participate due to the US entry denial. The decision highlights FIFA's commitment to supporting its officials in exceptional circumstances. Artan's exclusion from the US sparked discussions about travel restrictions and their impact on international sports events.
kicker Fußball NewsFIFA to Pay Full Fees to Referee Omar Artan Denied Entry to World Cup by U.S.
FIFA has decided to pay Somali referee Omar Artan 100% of the fees he would have earned for officiating at the 2026 World Cup, after U.S. authorities denied him entry to the country. Artan, who had a valid visa, was interrogated for 11 hours at Miami International Airport and barred due to alleged 'association with suspected members of terrorist organizations.' FIFA initially stated it could not intervene in host country immigration processes. The exact amount is unknown as referees are paid after the tournament. The article also notes that Ghanaian player Thomas Partey was denied entry to Canada for a match due to pending rape charges, but can play in the U.S.
FútbolSomali Referee Denied US Visa for World Cup, Will Still Receive Full FIFA Compensation
Somali referee Altan, who was originally selected to officiate at the upcoming World Cup, has been denied entry into the United States and will therefore be unable to fulfill his officiating duties. Despite this, FIFA has decided to pay him the full tournament compensation typically awarded to referees. The specific amount is not disclosed in advance per convention, with fees usually distributed after the event. Altan's visa denial has drawn widespread attention in international football circles, and FIFA's decision is seen as recognition of his professional contributions and selection qualification. The news was reported by BBC via sources and covered by Hupu Soccer.
虎扑 - 足球Omar Artan to Receive Full World Cup Fee Despite Visa Denial
Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States to officiate at the 2026 World Cup, will receive his full tournament fee from FIFA as a goodwill gesture. Artan, who was set to become the first Somali referee at a men's World Cup and was named Africa's best male referee, was blocked by U.S. immigration authorities citing vetting concerns. FIFA stated that immigration decisions rest with host governments. The decision sparked backlash from Somali officials and critics who argued it undermined football's fairness. In response, UEFA appointed Artan to referee the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in August. FIFA's payment is seen as recognition that Artan's absence was not due to professional failure but an external visa process.
Yardbarker: SoccerFIFA to Pay Referee Omar Artan Full World Cup Fee After US Entry Denial
FIFA has decided to pay the full tournament fee to Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States for the 2026 World Cup despite being selected by FIFA. Artan was turned away by US border control after an 11-hour interview, with the Trump administration citing derogatory information including alleged association with suspected terror organizations. Although Artan did not officiate any matches, FIFA will still compensate him. In a show of solidarity, UEFA appointed Artan to referee the Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa. Artan received a hero's welcome upon returning to Somalia and vowed to officiate at the next World Cup. The exact fee is unclear, but referees can earn up to £75,000 plus bonuses for later-stage matches.
Mirror - FootballFifa to Pay Somali Referee Omar Artan Full World Cup Fee Despite US Entry Denial
Somali referee Omar Artan, denied entry to the United States to officiate at the 2026 World Cup, will receive his full tournament fee from Fifa. Artan was interrogated for 11 hours at Miami International Airport before being rejected due to alleged associations with suspected members of terror organizations, specifically the Somali militant group Al Shabab. Despite having a diplomatic passport and single-entry US visa, he was put back on a plane to Turkey, where Fifa officials assisted him before he returned to Mogadishu. Artan, the 2025 Caf men's referee of the year, has since been invited to officiate the Uefa Super Cup in August. He expressed disappointment but vowed to officiate at the 2030 World Cup.
BBC SportFifa to Pay Somali Referee Omar Artan Full World Cup Fee Despite US Entry Denial
Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States to officiate at the 2026 World Cup, will still receive his full tournament fee from Fifa. Artan was interrogated for 11 hours at Miami International Airport before being rejected due to an alleged association with suspected members of terror organizations, specifically the Somali militant group Al Shabab. Artan denied any knowledge of the group, stating he is simply a referee trying to live his dream. After being put on a plane to Turkey, he received assistance from Fifa officials and returned to Mogadishu. Despite missing the World Cup, Fifa has committed to paying his salary. Artan, the 2025 CAF Men's Referee of the Year, has since been invited to officiate the UEFA Super Cup in August and has vowed to officiate at the 2030 World Cup.
BBC SportDenied U.S. entry, Somali ref to officiate UEFA Super Cup
Somali referee Omar Artan has been assigned to officiate the UEFA Super Cup match between Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain, just days after he was denied entry into the United States by U.S. authorities. The decision highlights the contrast between international sports recognition and U.S. immigration policy. Artan's appointment by UEFA underscores his professional standing despite the travel setback. The match is scheduled to take place in Europe, circumventing the need for U.S. entry. The incident has drawn attention to the challenges faced by individuals from certain countries in obtaining U.S. visas, even for high-profile sporting events.
Yardbarker: SoccerInfantino Deflects Blame After U.S. Denies Entry to Somali Referee Over Terror Links
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has urged critics to 'calm down' after the Trump administration denied entry to Omar Al-Tan, the 2025 African Referee of the Year and the first Somali referee set to officiate a top-tier football event. Al-Tan was detained for 11 hours at Miami International Airport, interrogated about ties to Al-Shabaab, and deported to Turkey despite holding a valid visa. U.S. Customs and Border Protection cited national security concerns, including links to suspected terrorist organization members. Infantino argued that FIFA cannot control immigration policies of host countries, comparing the situation to visa restrictions in European nations like the UK and Germany. The Somali government and football association expressed regret, while FIFA confirmed Al-Tan will not officiate the tournament. The incident has sparked criticism over the choice of the U.S. as a host nation.
虎扑 - 足球Infantino says he would drive Iran team bus to US, urges 'relax' over Somali referee ban
FIFA President Gianni Infantino held his first public press conference in three years ahead of the 2026 World Cup, addressing two major controversies. He revealed he promised Iran's national team they would attend the tournament despite visa issues, stating he would personally drive their bus from Tehran to the United States if necessary. Separately, he responded to the denial of Somali referee Omar Artan's entry into the US, with the White House citing alleged associations with suspected terror organizations. Infantino called for calm, saying 'maybe sometimes it is good to chill, relax,' and emphasized that FIFA cannot overrule national administrations or police. The tournament kicks off on Thursday amid ongoing Middle East conflict and boycott threats.
Mirror - FootballInfantino Tells Critics to 'Chill and Relax' Over Somali Referee Denied US Entry for World Cup
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, in a 66-minute press conference on the eve of the 2026 World Cup, urged people to 'chill and relax' regarding the denial of a US visa to Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to become the first referee from Somalia at a World Cup. Artan was refused entry despite believing he had a valid visa, as Somalia is on the US travel ban list. Infantino defended FIFA, stating it cannot control government decisions but works to find solutions. He also addressed Iran's participation in the tournament, confirming they would play despite US-Israel airstrikes on Iran in February, and noted that Iran's ticket allocation had been pulled days before their first group match against New Zealand.
SkySports | NewsSomali referee Omar Artan, denied US entry for World Cup, hailed as hero upon return home
Somali football referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States by border police at Miami International Airport on Saturday after 11 hours of interrogation, was welcomed as a hero upon his return to Mogadishu on Wednesday. Artan had been scheduled to officiate matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup (June 11–July 19). US authorities deemed him close to 'suspected members of terrorist organizations.' Upon landing in Somalia, he was cheered at the airport and later acclaimed at a stadium during a Somali Championship match. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed regret over the incident, stating, 'It's unfortunate what happened to him, but we don't control everything,' during a press conference in Mexico City.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuGianni Infantino breaks silence after Somali referee Omar Artan's deportation by US authorities
FIFA President Gianni Infantino commented publicly for the first time on the deportation of Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan by US authorities. Artan, who was voted best CAF referee in 2025 and appointed by FIFA to officiate at the upcoming World Cup, was turned away upon arrival in the United States and returned to Somalia. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Infantino expressed regret over the incident but stated that FIFA cannot control governments or police forces, emphasizing that the organization is a sports body, not a global authority. The Trump administration justified the deportation by citing alleged links between Artan and members of terrorist organizations, though no further details were provided. The incident has drawn attention amid heightened security concerns ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertInfantino: FIFA Doesn't Control Everything in Omar Artan Visa Case
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described as 'unfortunate' the decision by US authorities to deny entry to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was scheduled to officiate at the 2026 World Cup. Infantino explained that FIFA does not control all aspects of the process, particularly immigration and border security decisions made by host nations. The incident has sparked controversy, with some critics accusing FIFA of failing to protect its officials. Artan was later welcomed as a hero upon his return to Mogadishu, Somalia. The case highlights tensions between international sports governance and national sovereignty over entry requirements.
Home Football - actualitésFIFA President Infantino Calls Somali Referee's US Entry Denial 'Unfortunate'
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, speaking at a press conference in Mexico on the eve of the 2026 World Cup, described the situation of Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan as 'unfortunate' after the official was turned away by US border police at Miami International Airport. Artan, who was voted best referee by the African Confederation (CAF) in 2025, was scheduled to officiate at the World Cup but was denied entry following an eleven-hour interrogation. Infantino stated that FIFA does not control 'everything,' deflecting responsibility. The Trump administration justified the decision by citing alleged links between Artan and 'members of terrorist organizations,' though no specific details or evidence were provided. The incident has sparked controversy just before the tournament's opening.
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