Somali Referee to Receive Full FIFA Remuneration Despite Missing 2026 World Cup Matches

Somali referee Omar Artan will receive his full remuneration from FIFA, despite not officiating a single match at the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This was reported by "BBC," citing its sources within FIFA.

Artan was turned away by US authorities at Miami Airport after being denied entry into the country, even though he arrived with a diplomatic passport. FIFA stated that it could not secure access for the Somali official to the tournament, despite him being Africa's top referee last year. However, according to "BBC," the global governing body has decided to compensate him with full financial remuneration. The exact amount will be disclosed after the World Cup concludes.

Artan has received significant support from various parts of the world, and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has assigned him to officiate the UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.