FIFA confirms that Somali referee Omar Artan will receive his full 2026 World Cup tournament fee despite being denied entry to the United States. Multiple outlets report that Artan, 34, was selected by FIFA as one of the match officials for the World Cup and was unable to officiate after U.S. immigration authorities barred him from entering the country. According to the reports, Artan was held and questioned on arrival at Miami International Airport before officials informed him he would not be allowed to enter, citing vetting concerns. One outlet attributes the denial to the Trump administration’s claim that Artan had associations with “suspected members of terror organizations,” while other reports focus on the outcome and the payment decision. FIFA’s decision means the remuneration is not affected by his inability to take charge of matches, with coverage emphasizing that he is not being removed for performance, fitness, or discipline. After the incident, Artan returns home and is described as remaining motivated for future appointments, including an additional refereeing role at the UEFA Super Cup.