Nigeria, Aug. 12 -- Somalian referee Omar Artan will take charge of the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on Wednesday, completing a remarkable turnaround after he was denied the opportunity to officiate at the World Cup following his refusal of entry into the United States.

The 34-year-old referee was thrust into the international spotlight shortly before the World Cup began in June after he was turned away upon arrival at Miami International Airport, despite being among the referees selected by FIFA for the tournament.

The incident ended his hopes of officiating at the global showpiece and sparked widespread debate.

"It was a very tough period," Artan said in an interview published on the UEFA website.

"A lo...