FIFA paid Omar Artan $40,000 after US entry denial – Sources

Somali referee Omar Artan was reportedly paid $40,000 by FIFA after being denied entry into the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup, contradicting earlier claims that he would receive the same fee as officials selected to officiate at the tournament.

According to multiple reports, the payment was made to compensate Artan after his participation in the expanded 48-team competition was ruled out by the US authorities.

The claim challenges earlier reports that FIFA had agreed to pay the 34-year-old the full tournament fee despite his inability to take part.

Artan was among 52 referees selected by FIFA for the 2026 World Cup, which was co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

His exclusion became a major talking point after he was denied entry into the US at Miami International Airport in June, despite having reportedly completed the necessary visa requirements.

The US Department of Homeland Security said Artan had been deemed inadmissible following vetting concerns, although the authorities did not initially provide detailed public evidence to support the decision.

FIFA subsequently confirmed that the Somali official would be unable to train or officiate at the tournament, leaving him unable to fulfil what would have been a historic assignment.

Artan had been on course to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a men’s FIFA World Cup. He was also recognised as one of Africa’s leading match officials, having been named the Confederation of African Football’s Men’s Referee of the Year for 2025.

The reported $40,000 payment raises questions about the financial arrangements FIFA made for officials who were selected for the tournament but ultimately could not participate.

However, the amount has not been independently verified, and FIFA has not been cited as having publicly confirmed the figure in the information available.

Artan’s case also drew attention to the challenges facing international football officials amid stricter US immigration controls ahead of the World Cup.

FIFA has maintained that decisions on entry into host countries rest with the relevant national authorities, rather than the football governing body.

The payment reportedly made to Artan therefore remains a developing issue, with clarification from FIFA needed to establish the exact amount paid and the terms under which the compensation was agreed.

Despite his denial entry, Artan later officiated the 2026 UEFA Super Cup game between PSG and Aston Villa.