FIFA has confirmed that Somali referee Omar Artan will receive his full tournament fee for the 2026 World Cup, even though he will not officiate any matches after being denied entry into the United States.
The announcement was made following widespread reports and public outcry over Artan’s exclusion. Sources close to BBC Sport revealed that although the referee will take no part in the competition, FIFA remains committed to paying him the complete salary allocated for officials at the tournament.
Referees selected for the World Cup do not know their exact fee until after the tournament concludes. Artan’s case has now become one of the most discussed refereeing stories of the 2026 edition.
Omar Artan was selected as one of the referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but was reportedly denied entry into the United States, the co-host nation. The development sparked intense debate and criticism, with many viewing it as unfair treatment of an African official.
The decision by FIFA to honour his full payment has been interpreted by many as damage control and an attempt to uphold fairness for match officials who were officially appointed.
The news has elicited mixed but mostly positive reactions, especially from African football fans. While many welcomed FIFA’s decision to pay him, others argued that money cannot compensate for the lost opportunity to officiate at the biggest stage in football.
Some users humorously noted that Artan now holds a “100% win rate” at the World Cup — having been paid without refereeing any game.
This development has also reignited conversations about immigration policies, fairness in global sports, and the treatment of officials from certain regions during major tournaments hosted in the West.
Omar Artan may have missed out on the on-field experience, but FIFA’s decision ensures he does not suffer financially. The incident remains a significant talking point as the 2026 World Cup continues.
