Visa Refusal at Miami Airport
Omar Artan will still be paid his full 2026 FIFA World Cup fee even though he has been prevented from participating after being denied entry into the United States.
The Somali referee was held for approximately 11 hours upon arrival at Miami International Airport before authorities ultimately refused him entry. Reports indicate that his diplomatic passport and single-entry US visa were not accepted during the immigration process.
A US government source later suggested the decision was linked to an alleged “association with suspected members of terror organizations,” an allegation the referee strongly denies.
He is said to have been questioned about alleged links to Al Shabab, the Somali militant group, but maintained he had no connection to the organization. Following the incident, Artan was deported and flown back to Somalia via Turkey, with FIFA officials reportedly providing support during his transit in Istanbul.
FIFA Payment Confirmation
Despite the controversy, FIFA has confirmed that Artan will still receive his full tournament entitlement. According to BBC Sport, referees’ contracts stipulate that match officials are paid after the conclusion of the World Cup, meaning payments remain valid even if an official is withdrawn from duty before the tournament begins.
2026 World Cup Referee Pay Structure
The development comes as FIFA prepares for a record-breaking officiating payout structure for the expanded 2026 World Cup. A total of 52 referees, 88 assistant referees, and 30 video match officials are expected to oversee 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Reports from The Times indicate that referees will receive a base participation fee of around $100,000, reflecting a significant increase compared to previous tournaments. That figure marks a major rise from approximately $70,000 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and roughly double what was paid in Brazil in 2014.
On top of the base fee, match officials also earn performance-based payments for each game they oversee. Group-stage appointments are believed to be worth between $3,000 and $5,000 per match, while knockout-stage assignments can rise to around $10,000 per game. Officials who progress to the latter stages of the tournament, including the final, can significantly increase their earnings through these match fees.
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has previously estimated that an official appointed to the World Cup final could earn an additional $60,000 to $70,000 in bonuses alone, bringing total earnings close to $300,000 when combined with allowances and base pay.
Assistant referees are expected to earn a fixed tournament fee of around $25,000 regardless of match assignments, while video assistant referees operate under a separate payment framework.
Omar Artan’s Career Background
Artan, who was named the 2025 Confederation of African Football Men’s Referee of the Year, has already built a strong international résumé. He has officiated at multiple major tournaments, including the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, the Africa Cup of Nations, and the CAF Champions League final.
Following his return to Somalia, Artan has expressed determination to continue his career at the highest level and is reportedly targeting a return to major FIFA tournaments, including the 2030 World Cup cycle.