11/06/2026
Somali Referee Omar Artan Appointed for UEFA Super Cup After World Cup Entry Setback
Somali referee Omar Artan has been appointed to officiate the UEFA Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa later this summer.
The match, scheduled for 12 August in Salzburg, will see Champions League winners PSG face Europa League winners Aston Villa.
Artan’s appointment comes after he was reportedly denied entry into the United States, where he had been expected to officiate at the World Cup. The decision prevented him from becoming the first Somali referee to take charge of a World Cup finals match.
UEFA said the appointment was made after discussions with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin praised Artan as “an excellent young but already experienced referee,” saying football should be used to connect people and recognise talent across the world.
Artan, who was named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025, has been on FIFA’s international referees list since 2018.
Despite the disappointment of missing the World Cup, his UEFA Super Cup appointment is a major moment for Somali football and African refereeing.
For many fans, Artan’s story is now bigger than football. It is a story of resilience, recognition, and a dream that continues despite setbacks.