Visa Denial Won’t Cost Him: FIFA to Pay Somali Referee Full World Cup Fee

A Somali referee who was selected to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but was unable to travel to the United States after being denied entry clearance will receive his full tournament compensation, FIFA has confirmed.

The official, who had been appointed as part of FIFA’s refereeing team for the expanded World Cup, was forced to miss his duties after visa and travel authorization issues prevented him from entering the United States, one of the tournament’s host nations.

Despite his absence from the competition, FIFA has decided that the referee will receive the full fee and allowances he would have earned had he participated in the tournament. The decision has been widely viewed as recognition that the official’s inability to attend was beyond his control.

Sources close to the matter said the referee had completed all required FIFA preparations and training programs before the travel setback emerged. The development sparked discussions within football circles about the impact of immigration and visa policies on international sporting events involving participants from a wide range of countries.

FIFA officials reportedly reviewed the circumstances surrounding the case and concluded that the referee should not suffer financial losses because of factors unrelated to his professional qualifications or performance.

The case has also renewed attention on travel challenges faced by athletes, officials, and support personnel from some countries participating in global sporting competitions. Human rights advocates and sports administrators have called for greater cooperation between host nations and international governing bodies to ensure accredited participants can travel without unnecessary obstacles.

While FIFA has not disclosed the exact amount involved, World Cup referees are generally entitled to match fees, preparation allowances, and other tournament-related benefits. The governing body’s decision ensures the Somali official will receive the same financial package as other referees selected for the event.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is the largest edition of the tournament in history, featuring 48 national teams and hundreds of players, officials, and support staff from around the world.