Get Guardian on GoogleSomali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States to officiate at the World Cup, will still receive his full tournament fee, FIFA has said.
Artan was interrogated for 11 hours by U.S. immigration authorities at Miami International Airport last Monday before being told he would not be allowed into the country after his diplomatic passport and single-entry U.S. visa were rejected.
A U.S. government official said Artan had not been allowed to enter the country because of an alleged “association with suspected members of terror organisations.”
After being put back on a plane to Turkey, Artan received assistance from FIFA officials in Istanbul before boarding a flight to the Somali capital, Mogadishu.
According to the BBC, even though Artan will take no part in the World Cup, FIFA has committed to paying his salary.
Referees do not know the actual fee they will receive for officiating at the World Cup, which is paid after the tournament is over.
