Omar Artan to Receive FIFA Payment Despite US Entry Denial

WHO:

[07:00 EDT] - CBS News - Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House's World Cup task force, stated that Omar Artan was "talking to some very bad people" prior to his entry denial.

AP News - UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin stated, “Football is made to connect people and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills.”

AP News - Somali referee Omar Artan, recognized as Africa’s best male referee in 2025.

AP News - U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

WHAT:

[07:00 EDT] - CBS News - Omar Artan was one of only 52 referees selected by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

[07:00 EDT] - CBS News - An administration official indicated that Customs and Border Protection identified "derogatory information" about Artan, including "association with suspected members of terror organizations."

AP News - Artan vowed to attend the next edition of the World Cup, which will be mainly staged in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain in 2030.

Sportskeeda - Omar Artan will receive his full pay for the 2026 World Cup from FIFA despite being denied entry into the United States.

AP News - Artan will still be entitled to payment despite not officiating any games at the tournament.

AP News - The fee for Artan will be determined after the tournament concludes next month.

AP News - Artan was denied entry after arriving at Miami International Airport from Istanbul.

WHERE:

AP News - Miami International Airport, United States.

AP News - Somalia, where Artan received a hero’s welcome upon his return.

WHEN:

AP News - Artan is appointed to officiate the UEFA Super Cup in August.

AP News - The tournament is set to conclude next month.

AP News - Artan officiated during the CAF Champions League final on May 24, 2026.

AP News - Artan is appointed to officiate the UEFA Super Cup in August.

WHY:

[07:00 EDT] - CBS News - Giuliani suggested that the decision to deny Artan entry was justified due to his alleged communications with "very bad people."

AP News - Artan was due to meet up with other World Cup referees at their training base in Miami.

AP News - Artan was deemed “inadmissible due to vetting concerns” by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

AP News - FIFA stated it was not involved in the immigration processes, and the host government determines entry.

HOW:

[07:00 EDT] - CBS News - Giuliani confirmed that some Iranian team officials have not been allowed to enter the U.S. due to connections to the regime in Tehran.

AP News - Artan had originally been issued a visa to travel to the U.S. by the Somalia Embassy in Kenya.

Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House's World Cup task force, announced that Omar Artan, one of only 52 referees selected by FIFA to officiate at the upcoming World Cup, was denied entry due to concerns about his communications with "very bad people." An administration official revealed that Customs and Border Protection found "derogatory information" about Artan, including ties to suspected members of terror organizations. Giuliani also noted that some Iranian team officials have faced similar entry denials because of their connections to the regime in Tehran.