FIFA is set to pay the full tournament fee to referee Omar Artan. The Somalian official was refused entry to the USA while travelling to officiate at the World Cup, having been selected by FIFA.
Following an 11-hour interview, Artan was turned away by border control. BBC Sport reports that despite not taking charge of any match, the official will still receive his full payment from FIFA.
The exact fee remains unknown, with officials only finding out their remuneration after the tournament concludes. The Times reported that referees could earn up to £75,000, with those officiating in the latter stages also pocketing substantial bonuses.
The announcement follows UEFA’s decision to appoint the referee for the Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on August 12 as a gesture of solidarity. He was also afforded a hero’s welcome upon returning to Somalia earlier this week.
Reflecting on his ordeal, the official stated: “I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa.
“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.”
In a brief statement upon his homecoming, Artan added: “I’d like to thank the officials, ministers, MPs and everyone. I want to thank my country and people for their support. The encouragement I received here, I know I’ll get more support outside [the airport].
“Everything is pre-destined. FIFA supported me well and were in touch with me until I reached Mogadishu.
“I promise you that I’ll be officiating you in the next World Cup. Somalia, everywhere, I’m letting you know.”
A source from the Donald Trump US administration informed the BBC: “This individual was seeking admission to the United States. Upon further inspection by CBP [Custom and Border Protection], derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organisations, was discovered making the traveller ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
“The traveller was refused admission and given immigration forms that provide the section of law used to complete an expedited removal under 8235 of the INA.
“President Trump‘s administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country – full stop.”