Somali referee denied US entry for World Cup will receive full FIFA fee

MIAMI (Agencies): Somali soccer referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who ​was denied entry into the ‌United States to officiate at the World Cup, will be paid his full tournament ​fee. The Trump administration said the ​United States had denied Artan entry ⁠for the World Cup because of ​his links to “suspected members of ​terror organizations”. A source familiar with the matter said even though Artan will take no part ​in the World Cup, FIFA ​has committed to paying his salary. Artan, Africa’s referee ‌of ⁠the year in 2025, was set to become the first Somali to officiate at soccer’s global showpiece, ​but ​was turned ⁠back by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. However, he returned ​home to a hero’s welcome ​while ⁠European soccer body UEFA appointed him to officiate the UEFA Super Cup match ⁠between ​Paris St Germain ​and Aston Villa in August.