You guys, there is actually a wild backstory behind Omar Artan getting paid after being denied entry! He was one of 14 referees accepted for the tournament, then US authorities (FBI involved) flagged him on suspicion of carrying illegal weapons/conducting espionage — they presented evidence FIFA deemed credible enough to bar him at the border. Yet his contract holds: FIFA's policy requires full payment for anyone officially appointed and not removed by their own committee; since Artan wasn't formally dismissed, his World Cup fee still pays out regardless of federal denial. It’s a fascinating collision of international law, espionage concerns, and immovable sports contracts — a story that deserves way more than one sentence!

Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c79y10r2plzo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss