Mogadishu: Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will receive his full World Cup remuneration. He was unable to officiate at the tournament because United States authorities denied him entry into the country.
The decision brings some consolation to the 34-year-old official. His hopes of participating in football’s biggest event were dashed after being stopped at Miami International Airport.
Artan travelled to the United States earlier this week after FIFA officially appointed him as a match official for the Club World Cup. His journey ended abruptly. Immigration authorities detained him for several hours, then informed him that he would not be allowed to enter the country.
US officials reportedly cited security concerns. They claimed alleged associations with individuals under investigation for terrorism-related activities. Artan has strongly rejected any suggestion of wrongdoing.
After his return to Somalia, Artan said he had answered every question posed by immigration officers. He also maintained that he had travelled with all the required documentation. “I went there as a referee and nothing else,” he said. “Football is my profession and my passion. I have dedicated my life to the game.”
After he was removed from the United States, FIFA officials assisted him during a stopover in Istanbul. He then returned home to Mogadishu.
Despite his exclusion from the tournament, FIFA is understood to have honoured its financial commitment to the Somali official. Sources say Artan will receive the same tournament fee he would have earned if he had taken part in the competition. The gesture reflects FIFA’s recognition that the referee’s absence was due to circumstances beyond his control.
The setback comes at a time when Artan’s career has reached new heights. He is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most promising match officials. In 2025, he enjoyed a breakthrough year and elevated his profile on the continental and international stage.
He made history as the first Somali referee to officiate a major African club final. He took charge of the second leg of the CAF Champions League final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Pyramids FC.
His performances earned widespread praise and culminated in his selection as the Confederation of African Football’s Men’s Referee of the Year.
FIFA later appointed him to the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile. There, he officiated several matches, including the third-place playoff.
Artan has also become a familiar face at the Africa Cup of Nations. He handled fixtures at consecutive editions of the tournament and built a reputation for calm decision-making under pressure.
The disappointment of missing the World Cup has not diminished his ambitions. Artan has already set his sights on the 2030 FIFA World Cup and remains determined to become the first Somali referee to officiate at football’s premier global event.
His standing within the game remains strong. UEFA has invited him to officiate the upcoming Super Cup clash between European champions Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg on 12 August.
When Artan arrived in Mogadishu, he received a warm welcome from supporters, football officials, and members of the public. They praised his achievements and encouraged him to continue pursuing his dream.
For many Somalis, Artan’s journey has become a symbol of national pride, demonstrating that talent from the Horn of Africa can compete at the highest levels of world football despite significant challenges. While the World Cup opportunity slipped away this time, many believe one of Africa’s most accomplished referees still has many milestones ahead.
