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FIFA World Cup: Somali referee Omar Artan, denied entry to USA, set to be paid in full

Somali referee Omar Artan, denied entry to the US for the World Cup, will receive full payment from FIFA.

Sports desk
NRI HeraldJune 15, 2026
3 min read
FIFA World Cup: Somali referee Omar Artan, denied entry to USA, set to be paid in full

FIFA has confirmed that Somali referee Omar Artan will be paid in full for his work at the World Cup, despite being denied entry to the United States. Artan was scheduled to officiate matches in the tournament but was barred from entering the country due to visa issues.

The decision to pay Artan his full fee comes after the referee was unable to travel to the US for the competition. FIFA stated that Artan's compensation would not be affected by his inability to participate in person.

Artan, a referee from Somalia, was part of the officiating team for the World Cup. His denial of entry has raised questions about visa policies and their impact on international sporting events.

FIFA has not disclosed the exact amount Artan will receive, but officials emphasized that the payment is in line with standard procedures for referees selected for the tournament.

Sports desk · June 15, 2026
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