FIFA

FIFA have been urged to compensate Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the United States ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

Artan was on course to make history as the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup.

Reaching that stage represented years of hard work, dedication and progression through international football’s demanding officiating system. 

However, his dream has been put on hold after he was refused permission to enter the US, which is co-hosting the tournament along with Canada and Mexico.

The decision has sparked strong reactions across the football community, with several prominent figures questioning both the outcome and FIFA’s response hasn’t helped matters.

The governing body has confirmed that it will not intervene in the matter, a position that has attracted criticism from former officials and pundits.

Former FIFA referee and ex-chief of the Professional Game Match Officials, Keith Hackett, argued that Artan deserves financial compensation for the opportunity he has lost.

“This appears to be so unfair, depriving a young referee of the opportunity to officiate at a World Cup,” Hackett said (via The Mirror). 

“The pathway to the top is incredibly difficult, and this referee has developed a career that has seen him meet the challenges and rise to the elite level.

“I am sure that his family and federation will be so disappointed.

“Referees are expected to earn in the region of $100,000 (£74,630). So, I hope that FIFA, who have failed in supporting his case, will make a discretionary payment of $100,000 to him and his family.”

Former referee Christina Unkel, who will work for ITV as a pundit at the World Cup, also ripped into FIFA, revealing that the news has caused a ripple of dissent among tournament officials.

“It made me incredibly sick,” she said. “It went through the refereeing community – the referees have been in camp in Miami since this past Sunday, so over a week. 

“The news circulated very quickly that this individual, not because of anything he’s done, a past history, just because he’s been stereotyped due to the country he’s from. 

“It’s not a World Cup if you don’t allow the world to come in.”

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Source: Footballtoday.com