Banned World Cup Referee Omar Artan Scores UEFA Selection, Meets President
Summary
Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a Somali soccer referee chosen by FIFA, was not allowed into the U.S. to officiate at the World Cup due to a travel ban. UEFA has now appointed him to referee the upcoming Super Cup match in Europe, and he was warmly welcomed by fans in Somalia upon his return.Key Facts
- Omar Artan is a Somali referee approved by FIFA since 2018.
- He was denied entry to the U.S. for the World Cup due to a travel ban connected to national security concerns.
- The Somalia Embassy in Kenya had issued him a visa before he was turned away at Miami airport.
- UEFA appointed Artan to referee the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.
- UEFA praised Artan as an excellent and experienced referee.
- The travel ban against Somalia was set by President Donald Trump's administration.
- Artan received a large public welcome in Mogadishu, Somalia, with thousands of fans celebrating him.
- FIFA stated it cannot control visa decisions made by host countries for events.
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