Somali referee thanks UEFA for Super Cup opportunity after World Cup ban

Somali referee Omar Artan expressed his gratitude to the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for allowing him to officiate the Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa. The 34-year-old, recognized as the best African referee, called the opportunity his "World Cup."

Artan was initially slated to officiate at the recent World Cup held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. However, he was denied entry into the United States before the tournament began. Authorities cited alleged connections to suspected members of terrorist organizations as the reason for the ban.

Following this setback, UEFA provided Artan with the chance to referee the Super Cup match, pitting the current Champions League and Europa League winners against each other. Artan accepted the invitation, viewing it as a significant career moment.

"This was my World Cup. Thank you, UEFA. You have improved my life forever," Artan wrote on one of the balls used during the match in Salzburg, which PSG won 2-1.

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This was my World Cup. Thank you, UEFA. You have improved my life forever.