Sources: Somali ref to receive full World Cup pay
Key takeaways
- Omar Artan returned home to a hero's welcome in Somalia.
- Artan, recognized as Africa's leading referee, returned to Somalia after being turned away from the U.S. on his arrival in Miami last week because of visa issues.
- Border and Customs Protection cited "vetting concerns" for the 34-year-old's removal from the country.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Omar Artan returned home to a hero's welcome in Somalia. (Photo by Abuukar Mohamed Muhidin/Anadolu via Getty Images)Somali referee Omar Artan will be paid for his World Cup match assignments by FIFA, sources told ESPN, after he was refused entry into the United States prior to the start of the tournament.
Artan, recognized as Africa's leading referee, returned to Somalia after being turned away from the U.S. on his arrival in Miami last week because of visa issues.
A statement by U.S. Border and Customs Protection cited "vetting concerns" for the 34-year-old's removal from the country. FIFA president Gianni Infantino told critics to "chill and relax" when asked about FIFA's failure to intervene successfully on Artan's behalf.