Artan to referee Uefa Super Cup after losing World Cup spot

"Omar Artan is an excellent young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football."

— Aleksander Ceferin , Executive

"I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa."

— Omar Artan , Athlete

"Football is made to connect people and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills."

— Aleksander Čeferin , Executive

"We need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces."

— Gianni Infantino , Executive

"Football is made to connect people, and Uefa wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which had earned him such a prestigious nomination."

— Aleksander Ceferin , Executive

"This is a great honour for Omar Artan and for African referees and is also an excellent example of football, bringing together and uniting people from Africa and Europe and worldwide."

— Patrice Motsepe , Executive

"I am very, very disappointed."

— Omar Artan , Athlete

"Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills."

— Aleksander Čeferin , Executive

"I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa. I am very, very disappointed. I’m just simply a referee who’s trying to live his dream – the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup."

— Omar Artan , Athlete