CAF president Patrice Motsepe backs Omar Artan after US entry ban and World Cup exclusion

Banned from entering the United States to officiate at the World Cup, only to be rescued at the last minute by UEFA—Somali referee Omar Artan endured a harrowing ordeal last June. The president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr. Patrice Motsepe, made a point of publicly showing his support for Artan on July 22, during his press conference dedicated to Africa's participation in the 2026 World Cup.

Motsepe praises Omar

Motsepe declared: "Omar Artan is the best referee in Africa, and we will continue to support him despite America's decision to bar his entry for the World Cup." The US decision sent shockwaves through the football world, especially given that the Somali official had only months earlier been crowned Africa's best referee for 2025.

Barred from America

Omar Artan was refused entry to the United States, even though he had been scheduled to officiate matches at the World Cup. It was a crushing blow to African refereeing. CAF president Motsepe recounted how he experienced the episode: "I was moved when I heard what Omar from Somalia told me, and even more so when he seemed excited after we informed him: now you will referee the biggest club competition in Europe," Motsepe revealed. At the same time, CAF stressed its inability to intervene in the host country's immigration policies.

UEFA to the rescue

Just days later, Artan's profile soared. UEFA decided to give him a fresh opportunity, appointing Omar Artan to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on August 12. CAF president Motsepe also extended his gratitude to Alexander Ceferin, saying: "I really want to thank Ceferin and UEFA for this opportunity."

Nafongo TRAORE |

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Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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