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سكاي نيوز Sports
Egypt welcomes Somali referee after World Cup crisis
The article focused on the Somali Football Federation's request to its Egyptian counterpart, allowing referee Omar Arten to join the Egyptian league this season. Arten had been barred from officiating at the 2026 World Cup due to allegations of links to terrorist organizations. The Egyptian referees' committee welcomed the idea and stated that legal procedures would be followed to facilitate the matter, especially after receiving a letter from the Somali Federation. Omar Arten, 34 years old, considered one of the top referees in Africa and the world, faced international criticism after being deported from the United States before the World Cup. However, FIFA condemned what happened to him and awarded him financial compensation. Seen as a hero and a prominent figure, he was later honored by the European Union for officiating a match in the European Super Cup—the first non-European referee assigned to such a game. The article highlights efforts to reintegrate Arten into official competitions after his travel restrictions were lifted, affirming that the Egyptian Football Association is ready to host him if approval is granted.
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