FIFA has announced that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was barred from entering the United States to officiate at the World Cup, will still receive his full tournament fee.
Denied Entry at Miami Airport
Artan was interrogated for 11 hours by U.S. immigration authorities at Miami International Airport last Monday. He was ultimately told he would not be allowed into the country after his diplomatic passport and single-entry U.S. visa were rejected.
A U.S. government official stated that Artan was denied entry due to an alleged “association with suspected members of terror organisations.”
Assistance from FIFA
After being put back on a plane to Turkey, Artan received help from FIFA officials in Istanbul before boarding a flight to the Somali capital, Mogadishu.
According to the BBC, despite Artan taking no part in the World Cup, FIFA has committed to paying his salary. Referees typically do not know the exact fee they will receive for officiating at the World Cup, which is paid after the tournament concludes.
