Harry Archie
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry into the United States and could not officiate at the World Cup, has been appointed to referee the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Aston Villa on Wednesday.
The 34-year-old referee was selected by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup.
However, he was stopped when he arrived at Miami International Airport before the tournament began in June.
Artan said the experience was very difficult for him.
“It was a very tough period,” he said in an interview published on the UEFA website.
A US State Department official told AFP that Artan was “associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations” and was therefore not allowed to enter the United States.
Artan denied the allegations. His case caused anger in Somalia, where he was welcomed as a hero when he returned home.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the situation as unfortunate, saying FIFA did not control everything.
UEFA later announced that Artan would referee the UEFA Super Cup, which will be played between Champions League winners PSG and Europa League winners Aston Villa.
Speaking about the appointment, Artan said he was proud of the opportunity.
“I have worked very hard to be here, and I’m really proud,” he said.
He also said that growing up in a difficult environment did not stop him from following his dreams.
Artan became the first Somali referee to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024.
The UEFA Super 1Cup will be his first match as a referee in Europe.
He said the appointment was a very happy moment for him and his family.
UEFA said its decision was linked to an agreement signed with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in April to promote cooperation between African and European football bodies.
The appointment also comes at a time of disagreement between UEFA and FIFA President Gianni Infantino over plans to involve private investors in the World Cup.
