Omar Artan packed his bags, prepared his whistle, and never got to use it. The Somali referee was denied entry into the United States ahead of this summer's World Cup, meaning he never set foot on an American pitch. Now, Fifa has confirmed he will still receive his full tournament fee.
It is a small but meaningful gesture from football's governing body, acknowledging that Artan's exclusion was not of his own making. He had earned his place at the tournament, and the payment recognizes that.
The story raises bigger questions that the football world has not fully answered yet. How does the sport protect officials and players from visa and entry barriers that have nothing to do with their ability or their conduct? Artan's case will not be the last time someone asks.
Originally published by BBC Africa.