FIFA told to pay $100,000 to Somali referee Omar Artan amid World Cup outrage

Omar Artan should be provided a "discretionary payment" after being refused entry into the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that FIFA have failed the referee, who had a chance to prove himself on football's biggest stage.

Artan, who was named the African federation's (CAF) referee of the year in 2025, was set to become the first referee from Somalia at a World Cup. Instead, he was refused entry.

FIFA have confirmed that he will play no part in this summer's tournament, stating that the governing body will not intervene on the host nation's immigration policy.

Football fans from across the globe have been quick to point out their intervention by stripping Indonesia of hosting the U20 World Cup in 2023 after the governor of Bali requested to ban Israel's youth side from playing matches on the island.

The entire situation has sparked outrage, and Hackett, a former PGMOL chief, is deeply saddened by this opportunity being taken away from a young and budding referee.

FIFA urged to take action after World Cup ban

It is understood that Artan believed he had acquired valid visa to work in the US, despite Somalia being on the country's travel ban list.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: "This appears to be so unfair, depriving a young referee of the opportunity to officiate at a World Cup.

"The pathway to the top is incredibly difficult, and this referee has developed a career that has seen him meet the challenges and rise to the elite level.

"I am sure that his family and federation will be so disappointed. Referees expected to earn in the region of $100,000 (£74,630).

"So, I hope that FIFA, who have failed in supporting his case, will make a discretionary payment of $100,000 to him and his family."

Ian Wright raises alarm bells over 2026 World Cup

Football fans all over the world after hitting out at the decision, but one of the loudest voices to come forward so far is former England star Ian Wright.

Speaking to his Instagram followers, Wright said: "I've just read that the Somalian referee has been denied entry. Every few hours it's another story, another story about fans denied, players denied, officials denied, journalists denied, now refs.

"You know something, I'm laughing, but it's not funny, and something has to be said. The most expensive tickets ever, expensive accommodation, transport through the roof.

"It has to be said. Is this how the hosts behave, really, for the greatest game, the greatest tournament in the world?"

He is absolutely spot-on. This year's World Cup appears to already be one of the most controversial in history, and it hasn't even kicked off yet.