arts
World Cup referee Omar Artan to get full FIFA pay after U.S. entry denial
By CBS Miami at CBS4 Miami
· June 14, 2026
· 2 min read
The Somali referee who was denied entry to the United States for the World Cup will still be paid his full tournament fee. A person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press that Omar Artan will still be entitled to payment despite not officiating any games at the near six-week long
Key takeaway Artan is one of soccer's top officials and was named Africa's best male referee in 2025.
Why this matters in The Miami
The denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Artan at Miami International Airport has significant implications for Miami's reputation as a host city for international events. As a major hub for Latin American and Caribbean communities, Miami is no stranger to welcoming visitors from around the world. However, the incident raises concerns about the city's ability to balance security protocols with its commitment to being a global destination. The fact that Artan was initially issued a visa and then denied entry due to vetting concerns suggests a breakdown in communication between government agencies. As Miami continues to face challenges related to sea-level rise and flooding, it must also prioritize its reputation as a welcoming and efficient host city to maintain its economic viability. The decision to pay Artan his full tournament fee despite not officiating any games is a positive step, but the city must also learn from this experience to avoid similar incidents in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: June 14, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Somali referee who was denied entry to the United States for the World Cup will still be paid his full tournament fee. A person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press that Omar Artan will still be entitled to payment despite not officiating any games at the near six-week long
When was this published? This article was first published on June 14, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CBS Miami at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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