Now Reading: Somali referee Artan calls Super Cup his ‘World Cup’ after US ban
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Somali referee Artan calls Super Cup his ‘World Cup’ after US ban
Somali referee Artan calls Super Cup his ‘World Cup’ after US ban
Sportstar reports that Somali referee Omar Artan, 34, officiated the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg on Wednesday, calling it his 'World Cup'. Artan was part of…
The Story in Brief
Sportstar reports that Somali referee Omar Artan, 34, officiated the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg on Wednesday, calling it his 'World Cup'. Artan was part of FIFA's panel of referees for the 2026 World Cup but was denied entry to the United States at Miami airport. A US State Department official told AFP that Artan was 'associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations', making him ineligible. Artan denied the allegation and was welcomed as a hero in Somalia.
UEFA invited Artan after the US rejection, citing a recent cooperation agreement with CAF. PSG won the match 2-1. Artan thanked UEFA and CAF on social media, calling the opportunity his World Cup. UEFA’s move is seen as a political gesture against FIFA, amid a row over plans to open World Cup to private investors.
The Indian Opinion
The US security claim against Artan is grave but remains unsubstantiated in public. UEFA’s invitation mixes genuine sportsmanship with a pointed rebuke to FIFA, but it also risks using a man’s career as a pawn. Whether Artan can referee at the next World Cup without diplomatic baggage will be the real measure of fairness in football.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
