Omar Artan was all set to make history this summer at the FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Somali to referee a match at the tournament Finals. Alas, the authorities in Miami turned him away at the airport, which led to an outpour of support for Artan from fans and other organizations, including UEFA. Taking note of that, FIFA, who were criticized for allowing this to unfold in the first place, has also made a gesture to showcase empathy to the 34-year-old.

Earlier this week, the governing body of world soccer confirmed that even though Artan will not be officiating any matches in the World Cup this summer, they will pay his full tournament fee.

It is in accordance with their previous policies. Referees do not receive their World Cup payments until after the tournament, but sources confirmed to BBC Sport that Artan will receive everything he is owed, regardless of his absence. It is a gesture that cannot undo the harm, but it does acknowledge what was taken from him through no fault of his own.

Somalia is one of several countries on President Donald Trump’s travel ban list, and officials believed they had sufficient reason to deny him entry, even though he carried a diplomatic passport issued by his country. Andrew Giuliani, the person in charge of the FIFA World Cup from the White House, told the BBC: “While I can’t go into the details on that, I can tell you it was the right decision by Customs and Border Patrol, and I support that decision.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino was even asked during a press conference whether he had “lost control of his own tournament” in the aftermath of the incident, to which the Swissman called for calm.

“We don’t control everything. We try, we’ll discuss, we’ll speak, we’ll see. Maybe sometimes it’s good as well to just, you know, chill, relax. […] We are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces,” Infantino responded.

FIFA, as an organization, simply stated that it did not have any say in who the U.S. allows into the country. “FIFA is not involved in host-country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr. Artan’s status will not be changed at present. In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into its country,” the statement read.

Artani, who received a hero’s welcome upon returning home to Mogadishu, was gracious about the situation, though. He showed no bitterness and simply vowed to continue working at the high level he always has to earn similar opportunities in the future.

“I want to thank the football family for their messages and wish my colleagues all the best success during the World Cup, and I look forward to joining them again in future competitions,” Artani said.

Since then, UEFA, the governing body of European soccer, has also shown its support by appointing Artani as the referee for the UEFA Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in August.

“A World Cup of Chaos”: English Soccer Legend Says

Artan’s exclusion did not arrive in isolation. It is the latest in a series of controversies that have taken place ahead of the tournament, which started on June 11.

Iran’s football federation announced on Tuesday that its allocation of fan tickets for the group stage had been revoked. Journalists from several nations have reported difficulties obtaining press credentials. Players and fans from countries on travel restriction lists have faced obstacles at every stage of the accreditation process.

Pundit and former England striker Ian Wright said what many were thinking in a video posted on Instagram. “Every few hours, it’s another story about fans denied, players denied, officials denied, journalists denied, and now refs,” Wright said.

“I’m laughing, but it’s not funny. It’s actually not funny, and something has to be said. The most expensive tickets ever, expensive accommodation, and transport through the roof. Is this how the hosts behave for the greatest game, the greatest tournament in the world? I feel for the American fans who are desperate for this; how embarrassed they must be. This is a World Cup of chaos.”

Earlier, the authorities were also extra strict when the Uzbekistan squad landed, which was criticized harshly by their coach. The Uzbekistan coach is Fabio Cannavaro, a former World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner. He is one of the most respected names in football, and his mistreatment did not sit well with the netizens.

The tournament will run until July 19. FIFA will compensate Artan for the money owed to him. However, the history he was about to make has been delayed, possibly indefinitely. And the governing body that spent years attempting to bring the World Cup to North America is now witnessing the pre-tournament period become a story about who is barred from competing rather than what happens on the field.