Multiple Authors
Somali referee Omar Artan is set to receive full payment for his World Cup match assignments from FIFA, according to sources communicated with ESPN, following his denial of entry into the U.S. prior to the commencement of the tournament.
Recognized as Africa’s top referee, Artan returned to Somalia after he was turned away from the U.S. upon his arrival in Miami last week due to visa complications.
The U.S. Border and Customs Protection officials cited “vetting issues” as the reason for the 34-year-old’s exclusion from the country. FIFA president Gianni Infantino responded to those expressing concern about FIFA’s inability to assist Artan by advising them to “chill and relax.”
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Furthermore, sources indicate that Artan will be fully compensated for his World Cup duties, although the precise amount has yet to be established based on the matches he was assigned to officiate.
In the aftermath of Artan’s exclusion from the World Cup, UEFA took steps to appoint him as the referee for the UEFA Super Cup, which features a matchup between the Champions League champions Paris Saint-Germain and the Europa League winners Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, in August.