Omar Artan will receive his salary despite missing the World Cup

World Cup 2026 Today at 06:03

Nafongo TRAORE

News Editor

Good news for Omar Artan. He was denied entry to the United States despite being slated to officiate matches at the 2026 World Cup. However, Somali referee Omar Artan will not be able to take charge of any games. Still, FIFA has decided not to penalize him financially.

According to BBC Sport sources, the organization has confirmed it will pay his full financial entitlements for the tournament, even if he does not actually officiate any match. This is a major step by FIFA in support of a referee who was set to make his World Cup debut.

The same sources indicate that referees do not know the exact value of their bonuses before the end of the tournament, with payments made to everyone without exception after the competition concludes. As a result, Omar Artan will be treated like his fellow referees.

It is worth noting that Omar Artan was barred from entering the United States on June 6, despite being selected to officiate World Cup matches. Following this, FIFA confirmed that the 34-year-old referee will not participate in the tournament.

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