FIFA has confirmed it will pay Somali referee Omar Artan his full World Cup tournament fee despite his deportation from the United States after being denied entry to officiate at the 2026 tournament, according to BBC Sport reporting published on June 14, 2026.
Artan, 34, arrived at Miami International Airport on June 7 with a diplomatic passport and valid visa as one of 52 match officials selected by FIFA. He underwent an 11-hour interrogation before U.S. Customs and Border Protection denied him entry and deported him, BBC reported.
Official U.S. Government Statement on Denial
U.S. Customs and Border Protection initially cited only “vetting concerns” in its statement. After The Athletic contacted the White House, a senior Trump administration official provided additional detail: “Upon further review by CBP, derogatory information, including links to suspected members of terrorist groups, was uncovered, rendering the traveler ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act,” according to The Athletic’s reporting. The administration has not publicly offered evidence supporting these alleged associations.
Artan has denied the claims. “I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa,” he said. “I’m just simply a referee who’s trying to live his dream,” according to BBC. His spokesperson also rejected the allegations, with Artan’s camp maintaining he has no terror connections.
FIFA’s Financial Commitment and Tournament Compensation
FIFA will pay Artan the same amount other match officials receive for World Cup involvement, BBC confirmed. Referees at this tournament are expected to earn at least $100,000, though exact figures are typically disclosed only after the event concludes.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended the decision to bar Artan. Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, stated the referee was denied admittance for “very good reason” without elaborating further, according to BBC reporting.
Professional Recognition and Continued Career Activity
Artan received the 2025 CAF men’s referee of the year award before the incident. Upon returning to Mogadishu, he received a hero’s welcome from the football community, BBC reported.
Despite the U.S. entry denial, UEFA appointed Artan to officiate the Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria, confirming his continued standing within international football’s refereeing structure.
Travel Policy Context and Diplomatic Implications
Somalia is among several countries subject to travel restrictions under President Trump’s executive orders. However, the administration framed Artan’s case as an individual security determination rather than a blanket ban, according to The Athletic’s reporting.
The incident has drawn attention to diplomatic passport procedures for international sporting officials and the vetting processes applied to World Cup participants entering the United States as host nation.
Content Disclaimer: This report covers developing events and includes claims or statements from multiple parties whose accounts may differ. The U.S. administration alleges terror links while Artan and his representatives deny these claims. Readers are encouraged to consult primary sources and multiple verified outlets for full context.
Sources: BBC Sport, The Athletic — June 14, 2026
