The 34-year-old referee from Somalia, who faced a significant professional setback earlier this year, is set to take charge of the upcoming UEFA Super Cup. The match will feature Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain competing against Europa League winners Aston Villa.
Before the World Cup commenced in June, the official found himself at the center of a media firestorm. Despite being selected by FIFA as part of the tournament's officiating panel, he was turned away upon his arrival at Miami International Airport. A representative from the US State Department informed AFP that the referee was deemed ineligible for entry into the United States due to an alleged association with suspected members of terrorist organizations. These claims were firmly rejected by the referee, sparking widespread public outrage in Somalia, where he had been celebrated as a national hero upon his return.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the referee described it as a very challenging period, noting that many people expressed sympathy for the situation he faced after years of dedicated work. FIFA president Gianni Infantino addressed the incident at the time, calling it an unfortunate situation while noting that the organization could not control every factor.
In a move to support the official, UEFA announced his appointment for the Super Cup, a decision justified by an agreement signed in late April with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to foster cooperation between the two bodies. The referee, who made history as the first Somali to officiate at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, expressed his pride in the opportunity. He stated that while he grew up in difficult circumstances, those challenges did not stop him from pursuing his dreams. He added that receiving the call for this assignment was a moment of immense happiness for both him and his family, and he looks forward to his first officiating experience in Europe.
