2026 FIFA World Cup
FIFA to pay Somali referee Artan full World Cup fee
Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States to officiate at the World Cup, will still receive his full tournament fee.
Artan was interrogated for 11 hours by US immigration authorities at Miami International Airport on Monday before being told he would not be allowed into the country after his diplomatic passport and single-entry US visa were rejected.
After being put back on a plane to Turkey, Artan received assistance from FIFA officials in Istanbul before boarding a flight to the Somali capital, Mogadishu.
Sources told BBC Sport that although Artan will not take part in the World Cup, FIFA has committed to paying his salary.
On a rather inspiring note, UEFA has confirmed that Artan will be responsible for the Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, on 12 August.
Source : BBC