FIFA fully compensates Somali referee who was denied entry to US

Somali referee Omar Artan, who was banned from entering the US to referee World Cup matches, will receive full compensation from FIFA for the tournament, the British BBC reported.

On Monday, Omar Artan was questioned for 11 hours by US immigration authorities at Miami International Airport before being informed that he would not be allowed to enter the country as his diplomatic passport and visa to the US were refused.

A US government official explained that Artan was not allowed to enter the country because he was suspected of collaborating with members of terrorist organizations.

'I had all the documents in order. I had a regular visa - the referee later declared - I am simply a referee who wants to make his dream come true, the biggest dream in life; participating in the World Cup'

After flying to Turkey, Artan was assisted by FIFA officials in Istanbul before travelling to Mogadishu, the Somali capital, where he was given a hero's welcome. His dream of refereeing a World Cup match has been put on hold for now, but at least his wallet won't have to pay the consequences.

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