Local News
Somali Referee Denied US Entry for World Cup to Receive Full Fee
Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a Somali referee denied entry to the US for the World Cup, will still receive his full tournament fee despite not officiating.
1 min read
Originally published by nationnews.com (opens in new tab)
Somali soccer referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry into the United States to officiate at the World Cup, will be paid his full tournament fee.
The Trump administration said the United States had denied Artan entry for the World Cup because of his links to “suspected members of terror organizations”.
A source familiar with the matter said even though Artan will take no part in the World Cup, FIFA has committed to paying his salary.
Artan, Africa’s referee of the year in 2025, was set to become the first Somali to officiate at soccer’s global showpiece, but was turned back by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
However, he returned home to a hero’s welcome while European soccer body UEFA appointed him to officiate the UEFA Super Cup match between Paris St Germain and Aston Villa in August. (Reuters)
