The Somali referee who faced a pay cut during the 2022 World Cup has finally received his full fee from FIFA, ending a dispute that highlighted the exploitation of match officials from poorer nations. FIFA confirmed on Tuesday that the official, who cannot be named due to safety concerns, has been paid the same rate as his peers from wealthier countries. The British Football Association (FA) has welcomed the decision, calling it a “long-overdue step” towards fairness in the sport.
The saga began during the tournament in Qatar when it emerged that the referee, one of only a handful from Africa officiating at the event, was being paid just a fraction of the standard match fee. FIFA initially argued that the reduced payment was due to his status as a “development” official, but a backlash from players, fans, and human rights groups forced a u-turn. The exact amount paid to the referee remains undisclosed, but standard World Cup match fees for officials are believed to be around £30,000.
The FA’s chief executive said in a statement: “This is a victory for basic decency. Football must not have a two-tier system where a referee from a poor country is paid less for doing the same job.” The case has reignited calls for FIFA to overhaul its payment structure for officials, with critics arguing that the organisation’s “development” category is often used to underpay referees from developing nations.
Trade unions representing match officials have also praised the move, though they warn that it only scratches the surface of a wider problem. “This is one battle won, but the war continues,” said a spokesperson for the International Federation of Football Professionals. “Referees from Africa, Asia, and South America are routinely paid less than their European counterparts, even at top-level tournaments.
FIFA must now enforce equal pay across the board.” The Somali official, who still fears for his safety due to his high-profile role in a volatile region, has not commented. But his representative said he is “relieved” the matter is resolved.
The FA’s welcome of the decision is significant given its own troubled history with equality. The body has faced criticism for its handling of racial abuse and pay disparities within English football. By championing the Somali referee’s cause, it hopes to demonstrate a commitment to fairness.
However, critics remain sceptical. “It’s easy to clap for justice when it’s already been served,” said Paul Kearney, a sports rights campaigner. “The real test is what the FA does to ensure this kind of thing never happens again.
” As the World Cup fades into memory, the case serves as a stark reminder of the inequality that still pervades the global game. For the Somali referee, the full fee is not just money. It is an acknowledgement of his worth.
