12.06.2026 21:40
Somali referee Omar Artan, who was not allowed entry to the US, was gifted $50,000 in his country.
Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was set to make history as the first Somali referee to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but was denied entry into the country at Miami Airport despite having a valid US visa, received a major gesture of support.
$50,000 DONATED
The successful referee, who missed the world's most important international tournament due to the visa issue, received support from the Somali government and local businesspeople. Reacting to the injustice and hoping to maintain the young referee’s motivation, officials presented Artan with a cash gift worth $50,000. Omar Artan, who proudly represented his country on the world stage, expressed great joy and stated that he felt encouraged by this meaningful support.
WILL ALSO OFFICIATE THE SUPER CUP MATCH
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was also appointed to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in the past days.