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‘This was my World Cup’ says Somali ref after UEFA Super Cup
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Sports

‘This was my World Cup’ says Somali ref after UEFA Super Cup

From Vanguard · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Somali referee Omar Artan officiated the UEFA Super Cup after being denied entry to the US for the World Cup.
  • Artan was barred from the US due to alleged association with terrorist organizations, which he denies.
  • UEFA invited Artan to officiate the Super Cup as a gesture amid its ongoing dispute with FIFA.

Somali referee Omar Artan described officiating the UEFA Super Cup as his "World Cup" after being denied entry to the United States for the actual tournament. The 34-year-old was refused entry at Miami International Airport, despite being selected by FIFA.

This was my World Cup

— Omar ArtanWritten on a match ball from the UEFA Super Cup after officiating the game.

UEFA invited Artan to officiate the Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, which PSG won 2-1, after his US entry was blocked. A US State Department official cited alleged association with suspected members of terrorist organizations as the reason for his ineligibility.

A special Super Cup souvenir from Omar Artan

— UEFACaption accompanying a photo of the inscribed match ball shared on X.

Artan rejected these allegations, which caused outrage in Somalia, where he was celebrated as a hero. He thanked UEFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for their support and the opportunity. UEFA's decision to appoint Artan is seen as a political gesture amid its ongoing conflict with FIFA president Gianni Infantino over plans to open the World Cup to private investors.

Thanks to everyone who made this possible. Especially to UEFA for giving me the trust and opportunity and who welcomed me (to) their continent with open arms. My own confederation, CAF, for the support and making this possible.

— Omar ArtanPosted on his Instagram account after the match.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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