Somali referee Omar Artan has received a major appointment from UEFA months after missing out on officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
UEFA announced on Thursday, June 11, that Artan will referee the 2026 UEFA Super Cup. The match will pit Paris Saint-Germain against Aston Villa in Salzburg on August 12.
The European football body said it reached the decision after consultations with the Confederation of African Football. The appointment forms part of cooperation efforts between the two organizations.
UEFA explained that Artan’s selection falls under a recent agreement signed with CAF. The partnership aims to strengthen football development and promote unity, equality, and inclusion across the sport.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin described Artan as a talented and experienced official. He said the appointment recognizes the referee’s performances in top African competitions.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe welcomed the move and praised Artan’s achievements. He said the appointment brings pride to Somalia and African football officials.
Motsepe also thanked UEFA for giving the referee the opportunity to officiate one of Europe’s biggest club matches.
Artan attracted international attention after U.S. authorities denied him entry ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The decision prevented him from taking part in the tournament despite FIFA selecting him as a match official.
Gianni Infantino later described the situation as unfortunate. He noted that FIFA could not override immigration decisions made by the host country.
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