The referee was denied entry to the United States ahead of the World Cup after being selected by FIFA.

FIFA will pay the full tournament fee to referee Omar Artan. The Somalian was denied entry to the USA as he travelled to officiate in the World Cup after he was selected by FIFA.

After an 11-hour interview, Artan was turned away by border control. BBC Sport report that despite him not officiating in any match, the official will still be paid by FIFA.

It's unclear what the fee will be, with officials discovering how much they are paid after the conclusion of the tournament. The Times reported that week that referees could earn up to £75,000, with officials in the latter stages also receiving big bonuses.

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The news comes after UEFA appointed the referee for the Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on August 12 as a show of solidarity. He was also given a hero's welcome upon his return to Somalia earlier this week.

Speaking about the situation, the official said: "I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa.

"I'm just simply a referee who's trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup."

In a brief statement upon his return, Artan added: "I'd like to thank the officials, ministers, MPs and everyone. I want to thank my country and people for their support. The encouragement I received here, I know I'll get more support outside [the airport].

"Everything is pre-destined. Fifa supported me well and were in touch with me until I reached Mogadishu.

"I promise you that I'll be officiating you in the next World Cup. Somalia, everywhere, I'm letting you know."

A source of the Donald Trump US administration told the BBC: "This individual was seeking admission to the United States. Upon further inspection by CBP [Custom and Border Protection], derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organisations, was discovered making the traveller ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

"The traveller was refused admission and given immigration forms that provide the section of law used to complete an expedited removal under 8235 of the INA.

"President Trump's administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country - full stop."

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