FIFA told to compensate banned referee over cancelled World Cup visa as backlash grows

FIFA told to compensate banned referee over cancelled World Cup visa as backlash grows Omar Artan has been banned from entering the United States for the World Cup and former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has warned FIFA that they must compensate him for the nation’s actions FIFA have been told to hand banned referee Omar Artan thousands in compensation after he was barred from entering the USA. Artan was set to become the first referee from Somalia to officiate at the World Cup this summer. But he has been refused entry into the United States ahead of the tournament, with the organising body having confirmed that they will not intervene. Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett has now had his say and claimed that FIFA should pay what Artan would have earned during his time at the tournament. Speaking to Football Insider, he 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." Get the latest World Cup 2026 news in your inbox with our Make Football Great Again newsletter Hackett is not the only one to have taken aim at FIFA following the decision to stop Artan from entering the country. Former referee Christina Unkel, who will work for ITV as a pundit at the World Cup, said the decision had caused a ripple of dissent among the tournament officials. "It made me incredibly sick," she told talkSPORT. "It went through the refereeing community - the referees have been in camp in Miami since this past Sunday, so over a week. The news circulated very quickly that this individual - not because of anything he's done, a past history, just because he's been stereotyped due to the country he's from. It's not a World Cup if you don't allow the world to come in." Former England and Arsenal star Ian Wright also took to social media with a passionate rant. He 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, it's actually not funny and something has to be said. The expensive tickets, 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, is this how the hosts behave? Are we not hearing more? Are we seeing how Qatar got dragged, are we not hearing more? Is this the spirit of football, really? "You know who I feel for? I feel for the American fans who are desperate for this, American soccer fans who are desperate for this, how embarrassed they must be. How embarrassing for them this must be. "This is the World Cup, this is a World Cup of chaos. Whoever wins this World Cup is going to have to go through some serious chaos to get this done. I hope we can do it, but something has to be said now. This is the World Cup." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that's 'designed for football' from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.