‘Ousted Referee’ Returns as a Hero; FIFA Faces Backlash Over ‘Avoiding Responsibility’

[Anchor]

A referee from Somalia, who was denied entry into the United States and thus unable to officiate on the World Cup stage, has returned home to a hero's welcome. FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing a barrage of criticism for avoiding responsibility despite a series of controversies.

Reporter Ha Seong-nyong has the story.

[Reporter]

Referee Artan, who was named Africa's 'Referee of the Year' last year, was selected as the first-ever Somali referee for the World Cup and had even received a U.S. visa. However, he was denied entry at Miami International Airport last weekend.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection ultimately denied his entry and deported him, citing "associations with individuals suspected of being members of terrorist organizations."

Referee Artan, who returned to Somalia today (June 11), was treated like a hero from the moment he arrived at the airport.

[Artan/International Referee: I thank the Somali government and its people. If it is God's will, I will definitely participate in the next World Cup.]

While chaos continues with incidents such as the denial of entry for referees and travel restrictions on the Iranian national team, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has fueled controversy with remarks that seemed to shift responsibility.

[Gianni Infantino/FIFA President: Sometimes you need to calm down. FIFA is not the 'king of the world' and is not an entity that can control governments or police.]

He eventually had to clarify his remarks.

[Gianni Infantino/FIFA President: 'Calm down' does not mean to stay still. FIFA is working behind the scenes.]

President Infantino stated that he does not regret choosing the United States as the host country and expressed confidence in the successful operation of the tournament.

(Video Editing: Kim Jong-tae)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.