Fifa will pay Somali referee Omar Artan his full World Cup officiating salary despite his inability to oversee any matches at the tournament, BBC Sport has reported.
The world football governing body is understood to have taken the decision in recognition of the exceptional circumstances surrounding Artan’s absence.
The 34-year-old was unable to participate after being denied entry to the United States and deported following an 11-hour interrogation by immigration officials in Miami.
Fifa customarily pays match officials at the conclusion of a World Cup based on their tournament involvement, but Artan’s case is said to have been treated as unique.
Artan had been set to become the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup, marking a significant milestone for the country’s football development.
Since the incident, support for Artan has emerged from across the football community. UEFA has selected him to officiate the Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in August.
Artan was named Africa’s best male referee in 2025, recognition that had further elevated expectations ahead of his World Cup appointment.
Somalia is among nearly 40 countries affected by expanded travel restrictions introduced under the administration of US President Donald Trump as part of broader immigration measures.
