No World Cup for Omar Artan, but a rich consolation: he will receive his full salary

Omar Artan will not set foot on the pitches for the 2026 World Cup. According to the BBC, the Somali international referee, turned away upon his arrival in Miami after eleven hours of interrogation last Monday, will however receive the full amount stipulated in his contract to officiate at the World Cup.

The matter had taken a diplomatic and national security turn: Artan saw his access to the United States refused, then was rerouted to Mogadishu. After his return to Somalia, he denounced having been administratively compliant: “I had the documents in order, I am simply an arbiter who was trying to live the biggest dream of his life,” he declared, quoting his words reported by the media.

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FIFA assisted the Somali linesman in his repatriation procedures, reports the BBC, specifying that officials from the international federation helped him from Istanbul for his return. As a result, Artan will not participate in any matches in the North American tournament, but will nevertheless receive the financial compensation agreed for his selection.

This setback does not prevent the recognition of his status on the African scene: elected “Best CAF Referee” in 2025, Omar Artan is also scheduled to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, scheduled for August 12 in Salzburg.

A sensitive affair combining sport and geopolitical issues, this file highlights the difficulties sometimes encountered by international officials during major world meetings, while confirming that Artan will benefit from financial consolation.