Somali referee who was denied visa to receive full World Cup pay from FIFA
by Liam Griffin · The Washington TimesOmar Artan, the Somali referee who was denied an American visa ahead of the World Cup last week, will receive his full FIFA World Cup pay despite not working the event, according to multiple reports published on Sunday.
The 34-year-old official was one of the 52 referees tabbed by FIFA to officiate the prestigious event, which is being hosted through a joint bid by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Artan was unable to participate after he was denied entry into the U.S. by border officials in Miami, though.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials cited “vetting concerns” in a statement explaining why Artan was denied.
“It is unfortunate what happened to Omar. But we don’t control everything. We try, we discuss and we will speak,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said at a news conference, urging critics to “chill and relax.”
Though FIFA reportedly agreed to pay Artan for the six-week tournament, the exact payment was not immediately disclosed on Sunday. The fee will be finalized following the World Cup, which ends on July 19.
On Sunday, UEFA officials also decided to appoint Artan to officiate the UEFA Super Cup in August. The match is considered one of the most distinguished in club soccer. This year’s Super Cup will pit Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain against Europa League champions Aston Villa.
“Football is made to connect people and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills,” UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said in a statement.
— This article is based in part on wire service reports.
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