A Somali referee, Omar Artan, has been appointed by UEFA to officiate the upcoming UEFA Super Cup after he was previously denied entry into the United States ahead of the World Cup, in a decision that sparked international attention.
UEFA announced that Artan will referee the 2026 UEFA Super Cup scheduled for August 12 in Salzburg, Austria, featuring Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and Europa League winners Aston Villa. The appointment follows a cooperation agreement between UEFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) aimed at strengthening ties and promoting unity in football.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin praised Artan, describing him as a highly skilled and experienced referee who has already proven himself at top African competitions. He said the decision reflects football’s role in connecting people and recognizing merit regardless of background.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe also congratulated Artan, saying his achievements have brought pride to Somalia and the African continent, and highlighting his recognition as CAF’s Men’s Referee of the Year 2025.
Artan’s appointment comes after he was removed from FIFA’s World Cup officiating list following an incident where he was reportedly denied entry into the United States on security-related grounds. The situation drew concern from Somali sports authorities, who engaged with international football bodies over the matter.
Officials in Somalia said the development generated significant concern but welcomed UEFA’s decision, describing it as a positive step for fairness and sporting integrity. Artan himself expressed gratitude and vowed to aim for participation in future global tournaments.
The move is being seen as a significant moment for African refereeing representation in major European football competitions and highlights ongoing cooperation between football governing bodies across continents.
