A referee, Omar Abdoukader Artan, has been removed from officiating duties at the ongoing World Cup following issues with entry into the United States. Details surrounding the denial of entry remain unclear, sparking controversy. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) released a statement addressing the situation, confirming Artan’s withdrawal from World Cup assignments. Despite the controversy, CAF has simultaneously announced Artan’s appointment as the referee for an upcoming SuperCup match. This decision has raised questions regarding the handling of the situation and potential implications for the referee’s future assignments. The CAF statement did not elaborate on the reasons for the initial travel denial or the rationale behind assigning Artan to the SuperCup. This marks the first official communication from the CAF since the controversy began.