World Cup 2026: The awards keep coming for referee Omar Artan, a new reward from FIFA!

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World Cup 2026 15 June 2026 at 06:14

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World Cup 2026: The awards keep coming for referee Omar Artan, a new reward from FIFA!

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Despite being unable to take the field at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, referee Omar Artan is reportedly set to receive his full tournament compensation from FIFA. The 34-year-old official’s journey to the event was cut short when U.S.

Somali referee Omar Artan will be paid for his World Cup match assignments by FIFA, sources told ESPN, after he was refused entry into the United States prior to the start of the tournament.

Artan, recognized as Africa's leading referee, returned to Somalia after being turned… pic.twitter.com/iRIpejpjt2
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 14, 2026

immigration officials subjected him to an 11-hour interrogation at Miami International Airport, ultimately denying him entry into the country. Although the setback kept him from officiating any matches, FIFA has stood firmly behind Artan, with sources confirming that he will still be paid the entire fee originally intended for his participation in the tournament.