Somali referee who was denied entry into US for World Cup to receive salary in full

Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the United States for the World Cup, is reportedly set to receive his salary in full.

Referees for this summer's World Cup are understood to earn around £75,000 for the tournament.

Artan had been poised to make history as the first Somali official to take charge of a World Cup match, having been selected among seven African referees representing the Confederation of African Football.

His journey came to an abrupt halt at Miami International Airport last weekend, where he was subjected to an 11-hour immigration interview despite holding valid travel documentation.

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Following further hours of detention, authorities placed him on a return flight to Istanbul.

Fifa subsequently confirmed his removal from the tournament's officiating roster, stating it holds no authority over host nation immigration matters and American authorities had indicated Artan's status would remain unchanged.

The governing body is understood to be paying his salary, sources have told the BBC.

White House chief Andrew Giuliani has defended the decision to bar Artan from entering the US, branding him a "bad actor" with concerning connections.

The executive director of the White House's Task Force for the World Cup revealed the official had been communicating with suspicious individuals regarding potential activities on American soil.

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"There are some things that we can't talk about," Giuliani told talkSPORT.

"What I can tell you, from looking at it, is that he's the only referee, he's the only non-Irani official, that has been banned from coming into the country for this tournament.

"He was talking to some bad people, very recently, about actions here in the United States."

When journalists questioned whether his remarks implied Artan possessed terrorist connections despite holding a valid American visa, Giuliani deferred to official channels.

"Again, I go back to what CBP has said about this," he responded.

"What I'll say is, from my seat, it was absolutely the right decision and I stand by it."

The White House official outlined President Donald Trump's broader position on tournament visitors, explaining whilst the administration wished to embrace those genuinely seeking to enjoy the competition, it would not permit the sporting event to serve as cover for those with malicious intent.

Uefa has since responded by appointing Artan to officiate the Super Cup final, where Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain will meet Europa League victors Aston Villa in Salzburg on August 12.

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin praised the official's credentials, stating: "Omar Artan is an excellent young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football.

"Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which had earned him such a prestigious nomination."

Upon his return to Somalia, Artan received a hero's welcome from supporters.

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