I told our Somali Referee Omar Artan that while his World Cup officiating dream may have been delayed, it has never been diminished. Long before a ball is kicked, he has already won the hearts of millions and secured his place in history.
Omar Artan has done more than unite the footballing world, he has ignited hope in every child who dares to dream beyond the horizon. Dreams may be deferred, but they are never defeated.
I extend my deepest gratitude to FIFA and CAF for recognizing and believing in his talent, integrity, and dedication throughout the years.
For a lifetime, Omar carried a whistle not as a symbol of authority, but as a commitment to fairness, justice, and the spirit of the game. He devoted himself to ensuring that football was decided by merit, yet fate denied him the stage he so richly deserved.
Today, I had the honor of hosting Omar Artan, an icon, a role model, and living proof that true greatness is not measured by the matches you officiate, but by the lives you inspire.
Omar's journey reminds us all that character outlasts circumstance, and that those who stand for fairness ultimately leave the deepest legacy