World Cup 2026: Calls grow for FIFA to pay Omar Artan thousands in compensation after US entry blockade

The exclusion of Omar Artan from the United States ahead of the World Cup has triggered calls for football’s global governing body to step in with financial compensation, after the referee was barred from entering the host nation despite being selected for the tournament.

Artan, who was set to become the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup, has instead been refused entry into the United States, leaving his tournament dream in limbo.

FIFA has confirmed it will not intervene in the matter, effectively ending his participation in the competition.

The situation has sparked widespread criticism from within the refereeing community and beyond, with prominent figures insisting that Artan should not be left to bear the financial and professional consequences alone.

Former Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett has led calls for compensation, arguing that officials at the tournament are set to earn significant sums that Artan will now miss out on.

The controversy has added to growing scrutiny over entry restrictions affecting players, officials and media personnel ahead of a heavily scrutinised tournament in the United States.

Keith Hackett calls for financial redress

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has described the decision to block Artan as fundamentally unjust, insisting the referee has already completed the demanding journey to reach elite international level.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “This appears to be so unfair, depriving a young referee of the opportunity to officiate at a World Cup. The pathway to the top is incredibly difficult, and this referee has developed a career that has seen him meet the challenges and rise to the elite level.

“I am sure that his family and federation will be so disappointed. Referees expected to earn in the region of $100,000 (£74,630). So, I hope that FIFA, who have failed in supporting his case, will make a discretionary payment of $100,000 to him and his family.”

Hackett’s remarks have intensified pressure on FIFA, with growing suggestions that compensation would be a necessary gesture to acknowledge the financial loss incurred by Artan due to circumstances beyond his control.

Christina Unkel highlights refereeing community unrest

Former referee Christina Unkel, who will serve as a pundit for ITV during the tournament, has also voiced strong concern over the decision, claiming it has unsettled officials preparing for the World Cup.

“It made me incredibly sick,” she told talkSPORT. “It went through the refereeing community – the referees have been in camp in Miami since this past Sunday, so over a week.

The news circulated very quickly that this individual – not because of anything he’s done, a past history, just because he’s been stereotyped due to the country he’s from. It’s not a World Cup if you don’t allow the world to come in.”

Unkel’s comments reflect a broader sense of unease among match officials already assembled in the United States, where preparations for the tournament have been overshadowed by questions over fairness and inclusion.

Ian Wright questions tournament integrity

Former England and Arsenal forward Ian Wright also weighed in strongly on social media, expressing frustration at what he described as a pattern of exclusions affecting the tournament.

He said: “I’ve just read that the Somalian referee has been denied entry. Every few hours it’s another story, another story about fans denied, players denied, officials denied, journalists denied, now refs.

“You know something I’m laughing but it’s not funny, it’s actually not funny and something has to be said. The expensive tickets, the most expensive tickets ever, expensive accommodation, transport through the roof. It has to be said.

“Is this how the hosts behave really for the greatest game, the greatest tournament in the world, is this how the hosts behave?”

Wright went on to express sympathy for supporters in the host nation, adding: “You know who I feel for? I feel for the American fans who are desperate for this… how embarrassing for them this must be.”

He concluded by warning of wider disruption to the tournament’s credibility, describing it as a “World Cup of chaos” and urging greater accountability as the competition approaches.