Regarded as one of Africa’s top soccer referees, the respected Omar Artan, unfortunately, was barred from entry into the USA for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Despite his impressive, award-winning career, Artan won’t find himself officiating in the upcoming FIFA World Cup after U.S. immigration authorities denied him entry into the country.
With the World Cup just a few days away, both the players and officials this year are looking toward a substantial payday. However, the experienced Artan won’t find himself on the list. The Somali referee was inches away from making history by becoming the first referee from his country to take part in the World Cup. Despite Artan being a FIFA-approved referee, Somalia is among the USA’s travel ban countries. However, despite the hindrance, Artan had acquired a valid visa for his duties.
This decision has triggered comments from several soccer pundits, referees, and legends from around the world. Former referee Christina Unkel slammed the decision and said, “It’s not a World Cup if you don’t allow the world to come in.”
Responding to British politician Jeremy Corbyn on social media, former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett claimed that a referee for this year’s FIFA World Cup was expected to earn $100,000. He later suggested that Artan should be compensated the same amount for getting denied entry into the country.
Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett commented on the issue and urged FIFA to make the correct decision and pay Artan and his family a sum of $100,000. “This appears to be so unfair, depriving a young referee of the opportunity to officiate at a World Cup. 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 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.”
The post Former referee urges FIFA to pay Omar Artan ‘life-changing’ money for World Cup US ban appeared first on ClutchPoints.
