In a move hailed as a victory for fair play and the integrity of the game, Fifa has paid Somali referee Suad Artan her full World Cup fee following sustained pressure from British officials and human rights groups. The decision ends a months-long dispute over unpaid wages that threatened to overshadow the achievements of one of the few female referees from Africa to officiate at a major tournament.
Artan, a trailblazer in a male-dominated field, was promised $10,000 for her work at the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. But weeks after the tournament ended, only a fraction of that sum had arrived in her bank account. The delay sparked anger among campaigners who said she was being treated unfairly because of her nationality and gender.
Labour MP Dawn Butler led calls in Westminster for Fifa to honour its commitment, describing the non-payment as 'a disgrace' in a parliamentary debate. 'If this was a referee from England or Germany, the fees would have been paid on time,' she said. 'Fifa cannot pick and choose when to uphold its principles.'
The Football Association also piled on pressure, with chief executive Mark Bullingham writing to his Fifa counterpart to demand clarity. Meanwhile, the players' union FIFPRO raised the issue with global football's governing body.
Fifa initially insisted it had paid Artan through the Somali Football Federation, but the referee said she had received only $2,000. After months of back-and-forth, Fifa has now confirmed the outstanding $8,000 has been transferred directly to Artan.
'We are pleased to confirm that the full refereeing fee for Ms Artan has now been paid. Fifa takes its responsibilities to match officials seriously and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment for all,' a spokesperson said.
Artan told the Guardian she was 'relieved' but still bitter about the delay. 'It took so long and so many people had to fight for me. I should not have to beg for what I earned. This is my livelihood, not a favour,' she said.
The case highlighted deeper issues around Fifa's payment systems and the treatment of officials from less wealthy nations. Critics argue that while top European referees earn six-figure sums, their counterparts from Africa and Asia often face administrative hurdles and delays.
'It's about respect and equality,' said Dr Katherine Mooney, a sports governance expert at the University of Liverpool. 'Fifa talks a lot about global development, but when it comes to paying someone for their work, the system fails. This win for Artan is a small step, but it shows the power of collective action.'
The victory is likely to embolden other match officials facing similar issues. FIFPRO has called for an independent review of Fifa's payment mechanisms.
For now, Artan can look forward to her next assignment. She has been appointed as an assistant referee for the African Cup of Nations qualifiers later this month. This time, she expects her fee to arrive on time.
