The Somali referee Omar Artan has arrived in Salzburg, Austria, ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, in a landmark appointment that comes just weeks after he was unable to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
Artan, 34, is set to become the first referee from outside Europe to officiate the UEFA Super Cup. His appointment represents a major milestone for African football officiating and follows a cooperation agreement between UEFA and the Confederation of African Football, CAF, aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two organizations.
The match is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg. Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning UEFA Champions League winners, will face Aston Villa, who won the UEFA Europa League.
For the Somali referee, the assignment marks a remarkable turnaround after a difficult experience at the World Cup. Artan had been selected by FIFA as one of the tournament’s match officials but was unable to enter the United States before the competition.
Artan was reportedly denied entry at Miami International Airport despite having a valid visa. A US State Department official later cited national-security concerns and alleged that he was associated with suspected members of terrorist organisations. Artan rejected the allegations, while reporting on the incident described the circumstances as a major setback to his World Cup opportunity.
Speaking about the experience, the Somali referee described the period as a very difficult one, particularly because he had spent years preparing for the opportunity to officiate at football’s biggest international tournament. He said the support he received from people around the world helped him through the disappointment.
UEFA subsequently appointed Artan to take charge of the Super Cup following discussions with CAF. UEFA said the decision was made within the framework of its cooperation agreement with the African football body, which includes collaboration in refereeing and football development.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin praised Artan’s ability and experience, saying football should connect people and that the appointment demonstrated respect for his refereeing achievements.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe also welcomed the decision, describing Artan as a source of pride for Somalia and the African continent. His appointment follows his recognition as the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025.
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Artan has built an impressive international career since being added to the FIFA international referees list in 2018. He has officiated major CAF competitions and became the first Somali official to referee at the Africa Cup of Nations when he took charge of the Tunisia-Namibia match at the 2024 tournament.
He also made history by becoming the first Somali referee to oversee a CAF Champions League final, further establishing himself among Africa’s leading match officials. His performances eventually earned him the 2025 CAF Men’s Referee of the Year award.
The UEFA Super Cup assignment therefore carries significance beyond the individual match. For the Somali referee, it provides an opportunity to officiate one of European football’s most prestigious fixtures while representing Somalia and African refereeing on a major international stage.
Artan has also been preparing specifically for the assignment. Ahead of the Super Cup, he returned to refereeing duties in Somalia and the Kuwaiti Premier League to maintain his match fitness and sharpen his preparations for the encounter.
He will not be alone in representing Africa in the officiating team. His assistants include Liban Abdoulrazack Ahmed of Djibouti and Stephen Eleazar Onyango Yiembe of Kenya, adding another African dimension to the historic appointment.
The Somali referee has said the Super Cup appointment brought considerable happiness to his family and the wider Somali community in Europe and Austria. The occasion is expected to attract particular attention from Somali supporters, who have celebrated his rise through international football.
Beyond the personal achievement, Artan’s appointment highlights the growing cooperation between UEFA and CAF in the development and exchange of refereeing expertise. UEFA has described the partnership as part of a broader commitment to unity, equality and non-discrimination in football.
For Artan, the journey from being selected for the World Cup to missing the tournament and then receiving one of UEFA’s most prestigious refereeing assignments has been an extraordinary one.
The Somali referee now has the opportunity to turn a painful World Cup disappointment into a historic European football achievement when PSG and Aston Villa meet in Salzburg.
Artan has encouraged aspiring referees not to give up on their ambitions, saying his own experience demonstrates the importance of continuing to pursue big goals despite setbacks.
Crediblenewsng.com
