<p>In his first interview since being turned back, Omar Abdulkadir Artan stated that he had the right papers and everything required. He would have become the first Somali referee to officiate a game in the tournament.</p>
<p>The comment underscores a barrier faced by his bid to participate as a referee, raising questions about eligibility verification and its impact on qualified officials from underrepresented regions.</p>
<p>The incident highlights ongoing discussions around access and fairness for referees from diverse backgrounds seeking inclusion in major international tournaments.</p>
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