FIFA confirmed Somali referee Omar Artan will get his full tournament fee,despite being blocked from entering U.S. for World Cup. Artan faced grueling 11-hour interrogation at Miami International Airport before being turned away.
U.S. officials pointed to alleged links with terrorist groups as reason for denying visa. They claimed connections to Somali militant group Al Shabab. Artan denied it all, saying, "I had right papers and everything. I had right visa. I'm just a referee trying to live my dream, biggest dream of my life,to come to World Cup."
After deportation to Turkey,FIFA reps in Istanbul backed him before he returned home to Somalia. He won't be at tournament,but FIFA will still pay him,as is usual for referees post-tournament.
Artan's career hit big milestones,like being named 2025 Confederation of African Football men's referee of the year. He was first Somali to officiate a continental final,taking charge of African Champions League final between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns in June 2025.
He also officiated U-20 World Cup in Chile, managing three matches,including third-place playoff. And he handled two group games at Africa Cup of Nations,having worked that tournament in 2024 too.
Despite U.S. setback,Artan invited to UEFA Super Cup,set for August 12 in Salzburg, Austria,featuring Paris St-Germain and Aston Villa. Back in Somalia,he thanked supporters, saying "Thank you to my people and my country," and confirmed ambition to officiate at 2030 World Cup.
Artan's ordeal shines light on visa restrictions and travel bans haunting international sports. His resolve to push through these barriers mirrors struggles of many athletes from conflict zones…
