FIFA to pay Somali referee Abdulkadir Artan full World Cup fee despite US entry denial

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Somali football referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was blocked from entering the United States to officiate at the World Cup, will receive his full tournament fee.

The 34-year-old was denied entry into the United States when US authorities rejected his diplomatic passport and single-entry visa, resulting in his deportation back home.

Despite not being able to officiate at the global event due to circumstances beyond his control, Artan will get his complete tournament fee, according to BBC Sport.

The Trump administration said on Tuesday that the referee was denied entry in to the United States for the World Cup because of his alleged links to individuals suspected of being members of terrorist organisations.

“What happened has happened and it was fate. I am grateful for the support FIFA gave me,” Artan told reporters after arriving in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu.

“Somalia is ours, whether things are good or bad. I want to tell our ?youth not to lose hope in our country,” he said. “I am now in my country, and there is no other place I want to be.”

In a remarkable twist of fate, Artan has been appointed to oversee the UEFA Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.

The prestigious fixture, which pits Champions League winners PSG against Europa League champions Aston Villa, is scheduled for 12 August in Salzburg.

UEFA confirmed that Artan’s appointment was made following discussions with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), offering the Somali official an opportunity to officiate on another major international stage after his World Cup hopes were dashed.