FIFA to Pay Salary to Somali Referee Omar Artan

FIFA confirmed it will pay the full tournament salary to Somali referee Omar Artan after he was denied entry to the US for the 2026 World Cup. Artan was detained for 11 hours at Miami Airport as his diplomatic passport and visa were rejected.

Although he cannot officiate in the tournament, the 2025 African Referee of the Year will receive his full compensation.