The Somali referee thanked for the opportunity to officiate at the UEFA Super Cup

Somali referee Omar Artan has spoken candidly about a very difficult period in his career after he was unjustifiably refused entry to the United States to officiate World Cup matches. However, within a few days, fate presented him with a colossal professional compensatory chance: UEFA appointed him as the main referee for the upcoming match for the UEFA Super Cup. At the beginning of June, the 34-year-old referee was stopped at Miami International Airport and sent back on the first flight. The reason was the inclusion of Somalia in the list of 12 countries subject to the executive ban on entry by the administration of President Donald Trump. The head of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has personally stated that the international federation has no legal leverage to overturn the decisions of the US government. However, in order to even out the situation partially, FIFA paid Artan the full financial compensation provided for participation in the World Cup. "It was a very difficult period. Many people around the world sympathized with me. When you work for years for such a goal, and then you cannot fulfill your plan due to external circumstances, it is extremely painful. I am sincerely grateful to everyone for the support I felt in those days," Artan shared. The European Football Union did not remain aloof from the situation and made an unprecedented decision. UEFA has appointed Omar Artan as the first ever non-European referee entrusted with refereeing the UEFA Super Cup final. On Wednesday in Salzburg, Austria, the winner of the Europa League - Aston Villa of Birmingham - and the winner of the Champions League - Paris Saint-Germain of France will fight for the trophy. When we got the call from UEFA, it was an incredibly happy moment for me and my family. I watched a lot of European football and studied the style of play of both teams carefully. In addition, there is a large Somali community in Europe and directly in Austria - they are simply delighted that their compatriot will serve a match of this level," the referee emphasized.