Referee Omar Artan reflects on challenges after US travel ban

Omar Artan, the referee for the European Super Cup final, has spoken about the “very tough period” he experienced after being denied entry into the USA.

Artan was set to make history as the first Somali official at a World Cup. However, in early June, he was turned away at Miami international airport due to Somalia being one of the 12 countries on America's travel ban list.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino indicated that he was unable to intervene against president Donald Trump’s administration.

Fortunately, shortly after his return home, UEFA appointed him as the first non-European referee for the Super Cup final, which features Aston Villa and Paris St Germain in Salzburg on Wednesday.

“It was a very tough period,” Artan remarked, noting that he has followed European football closely and conducted research on both teams.

“A lot of people have sympathy for me, because when someone has been working a lot of years and is supposed to do something, and then can’t do it, it’s very challenging.

“I really appreciate the support I received throughout the world, though; I’m so grateful.” Regarding his UEFA Super Cup appointment, he said: “When we got this call it was, for me and my family, really a very, very happy moment.

“There’s a big Somali community in Europe and in Austria, and they are over the moon with me officiating a match like this.”

Source: BirminghamWorld