Omar Abdulkadir Artan is popular in his home country.
Omar Abdulkadir Artan drew the galleries full when he returned home. PDO
Referee sent back to his home country from the United States Omar Abdulkadir Artan received a hero’s welcome in Mogadishu.
A huge crowd had arrived at the local stadium to welcome Artan, who promised his supporters that he would be seen officiating at the next World Cup.
– I am grateful to Fifa for their support. Somalia is ours, whether things are good or bad. I want to say to our youth, don’t lose hope in our country, Artan said to the audience.
The man who was chosen as the best referee in Africa last year flew to Somalia from Turkey, where he had headed from the Miami airport after receiving a negative entry decision from the United States Customs and Border Protection.
The failure occurred despite the fact that Artan has a valid visa and diplomatic passport with him.
The United States has justified the treatment of the Somali judge by the fact that he has connections with persons suspected of belonging to a terrorist organization.
The World Cup football tournament starts tonight with the meeting between Mexico and South Africa.
The atmosphere was high in Mogadishu. PDO