ATLANTA (AP) — Somali referee Omar Artan, who was recently denied entry to the United States for the ongoing FIFA World Cup, will still receive his full compensation for the tournament, despite not officiating any matches. This information was confirmed by a source familiar with the matter, who requested to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the information. The exact fee will be determined after the tournament concludes next month.

Omar Artan, recognized as one of the elite officials in soccer, was awarded the title of Africa's best male referee in 2025. His plans to participate in the World Cup were disrupted when he was denied entry upon arriving at Miami International Airport from Istanbul last week. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency stated that Artan was deemed "inadmissible due to vetting concerns."

Artan had been issued a visa through the Somalia Embassy in Kenya, which had processed his travel documents, and he was expected to join other referees at their training base in Miami prior to the tournament. However, FIFA clarified that it did not handle immigration matters, emphasizing that the host government retains the authority to decide who can enter the country. Consequently, Artan was unable to train or officiate during the World Cup.

Following his return to Somalia earlier this week, the 34-year-old Artan received a hero's welcome, affirming his commitment to participate in the next World Cup slated for 2030, which will be co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. In addition, he has been appointed to officiate significant matches, including the prestigious UEFA Super Cup scheduled for August.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin emphasized respect for Artan's exceptional officiating abilities in a statement, reaffirming the organization's belief in football as a means to connect communities and cultures.

Omar Artan's situation highlights the complexities surrounding international travel and immigration for sporting events, showcasing the challenges faced by individuals in the world of sports. Despite his setbacks, Artan's resilience and dedication to his craft serve as an inspiring story for many.

With the World Cup ongoing, the focus now shifts to how the tournament will conclude and the planned future involvement of referees like Omar Artan in important matches ahead.