Gayton McKenzie questions referee Omar Artan’s diplomatic passport use

South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has sparked fresh debate after strongly questioning reports that referee Omar Artan travelled using a diplomatic passport, insisting the match official has no diplomatic status.

Speaking in an interview with veteran broadcaster Robert Marawa, McKenzie expressed shock over the claims and suggested such privileges should not be extended to sports officials without formal diplomatic accreditation.

“The information we got is that this ref (Omar Artan) travelled on a diplomatic passport. He’s not a diplomat. Let’s start there. Even if I am the President, I’ll not allow him in the country. What is this ref doing with a diplomatic passport? Is he a politician?” McKenzie said.

The minister’s remarks have added a political edge to an already sensitive issue, raising questions about how the referee obtained and used a diplomatic passport for international travel.

He further insisted that such arrangements would not be acceptable under his watch, emphasising the need for accountability and proper authorisation.

The comments are likely to fuel further discussion within sporting and diplomatic circles, particularly around protocols governing travel privileges for match officials at major international fixtures.

Neither Omar Artan nor the relevant football governing bodies have publicly responded to the allegations at the time of reporting.