UEFA has appointed a Somali referee to officiate the Super Cup final, according to local media reports. The appointment comes after the same official was denied entry into the United States for a FIFA World Cup event, where he was sent home following an 11-hour interrogation by border authorities.
Why the Official Was Barred from the World Cup
The Somali referee was unable to lead matches during the World Cup because United States immigration officials refused him entry into the country, according to reports from 24.hu and Telex. The official was held for questioning for 11 hours before being ordered to leave the country.
FIFA President’s Response to the Entry Denial
FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed the situation regarding the official’s exclusion from the World Cup. Infantino acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but noted the limits of the governing body’s power over national borders.
“It is unfortunate, but we are not the lords of the world.”
FIFA President
UEFA Super Cup Appointment
Despite the previous diplomatic and immigration hurdles faced during the World Cup, UEFA has selected the official to lead the Super Cup final. Local media reports indicate the move serves as a demonstration to FIFA of the official’s standing and capability, despite the United States’ refusal to grant him entry for previous international duties.
