Somali referee Omar Artan returned to his homeland on Thursday to a jubilant hero’s welcome, just days after being turned away from the United States and barred from officiating at the World Cup. While he won’t step onto the pitch in the US, FIFA has confirmed it will reimburse him fully for the tournament.
Artan, 34, was detained for 11 hours by US immigration authorities at Miami International Airport on Monday before being told he could not enter the country. A US government official cited an alleged “association with suspected members of terror organisations” as the reason for the denial. Artan insisted he was questioned primarily about his links to the Somali militant group Al Shabab, a group he told officials he knew nothing about.
“I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa,” said Artan. “I’m just simply a referee who’s trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup.”
FIFA Steps In with Full Reimbursement
Following his deportation to Turkey, where he was assisted by FIFA officials before securing a flight to Mogadishu, football’s world governing body has moved to mitigate the financial blow. Sources have confirmed to BBC Sport that Artan will be fully reimbursed—receiving the exact salary he would have earned had he officiated at the tournament. Referees typically receive their World Cup fees after the tournament concludes.
While the exact figure remains undisclosed, the commitment ensures Artan will not bear the financial cost of his forced absence.
A Hero’s Homecoming and a Future in Europe
Arriving in Mogadishu, Artan was wrapped in a blue shawl and surrounded by cheering supporters who held up signs and offered flowers. He smiled broadly despite the ordeal.
“I thank my people and my country,” he said.
Far from being derailed, his career continues to ascend. Despite the visa fiasco, Artan has been invited to officiate the prestigious UEFA Super Cup match between Paris St-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, on August 12.
The 34-year-old was named the 2025 Confederation of African Football (Caf) men’s referee of the year, becoming the first Somali to ever hold the title. He also made history last June by officiating the second leg of the African Champions League final between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Undeterred by his US ordeal, Artan has vowed to make an even bigger mark on world football. “I will be at the 2030 World Cup,” he stated, promising fans that his biggest dream is far from over.
