FIFA's Decision on Omar Artan's World Cup Payment Revealed
The exact amount Omar Artan will receive for the 2026 World Cup has been determined, despite his ban from entering the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The Somali referee is still poised for a financial gain. Incidents involving denied visa entry have become a hot topic at this summer's tournament, but none have drawn as much focus as that of the 34-year-old.
When he arrived in the USA ahead of the World Cup, Artan was detained by border control for several hours. Early reports indicated the problem originated from issues with his ESTA application and visa paperwork, but the US government later disclosed the actual reason for his denied entry was suspected connections to a terrorist organization.
He was then sent back to his homeland, and despite efforts to let him officiate matches in the other two host nations, he was taken off the refereeing list for the whole tournament. Fortunately for Artan, a new FIFA regulation ensures he will still receive a substantial financial sum even though he missed the competition.
FIFA Makes Major Call on Omar Artan's World Cup Earnings
Per BBC Sport, although Artan will not participate in the World Cup, FIFA has pledged to pay his salary. The 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) men's referee of the year has since been asked to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris St-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria on 12 August.
The 34-year-old, who expressed gratitude to "my people and my country" upon being welcomed back in his homeland, has promised to officiate at the 2030 World Cup. Artan had a standout year in 2025, becoming the first Somali to oversee a continental final. In June 2025, he refereed the second leg of Pyramids FC's African Champions League final victory over Mamelodi Sundowns.
England, Spain and France are listed in the top 10.
FIFA selected Artan for the U-20 World Cup in Chile, where he oversaw three matches including the third-place play-off. Then, at the close of the year, he refereed two group games at the Africa Cup of Nations, having also officiated at the tournament in 2024.
How Much He Will Earn Has Been Calculated
According to The Times, World Cup referees will each earn a record $100,000 (around Β£75,000) for their role in the tournament, a sum that is roughly double what officials received at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
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This increase reflects both the expanded 48-team format, the heightened scrutiny that accompanies it, and FIFA's commitment to attracting the best officials football can provide. Those record fees are before performance-related bonuses that can be earned later in the tournament, which Artan will not be able to get.
Given that he would have only been assigned group matches before FIFA decides on knockout round assignees, it means the Somali whistleblower is still set for a five-figure payout to somewhat ease the impact of all his difficulties.
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