FIFA has announced that Somali football referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will receive his full tournament fee despite being blocked from entering the United States to officiate at the World Cup.
Denied Entry at US Border
The 34-year-old referee was denied entry into the United States when US authorities rejected his diplomatic passport and single-entry visa, resulting in his deportation back to Somalia. According to BBC Sport, Artan will still receive his complete tournament fee even though he was unable to officiate at the global event due to circumstances beyond his control.
Trump Administration's Allegations
The Trump administration stated on Tuesday that Artan was denied entry because of his alleged links to individuals suspected of being members of terrorist organizations. Artan has not commented on these allegations.
Artan's Response
After arriving in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, Artan told reporters: "What happened has happened and it was fate. I am grateful for the support FIFA gave me." He added: "Somalia is ours, whether things are good or bad. I want to tell our youth not to lose hope in our country. I am now in my country, and there is no other place I want to be."
New Opportunity: UEFA Super Cup
In a remarkable twist of fate, Artan has been appointed to oversee the UEFA Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa. The prestigious fixture, which pits Champions League winners PSG against Europa League champions Aston Villa, is scheduled for 12 August in Salzburg. UEFA confirmed that Artan's appointment was made following discussions with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), offering the Somali official an opportunity to officiate on another major international stage after his World Cup hopes were dashed.
