The International Football Federation (FIFA) will pay the full amount of the agreed fee to Somali referee Omar Artan, who was unable to participate in the 2026 World Cup.
This was reported by the BBC.
According to the information, although Omar Artan tried to enter the United States with a diplomatic passport, after arriving at Miami International Airport, he was not allowed entry into the country without any reason given. After that, the referee was sent back to Istanbul.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino called the incident an unpleasant event and said that the organization could not fully control all the processes.
It should be noted that Omar Artan would have been the first referee from Somalia to participate in the World Cup.
According to the BBC, Omar Artan is considered one of the most prestigious referees in the African continent. Shortly after being denied permission to participate in the World Cup, it was announced that he was appointed as the head referee for the UEFA Super Cup match to be held between France's PSG and England's Aston Villa./Oxu.Az