UEFA Hands Somali Referee Omar Artan Super Cup Role Following World Cup Setback

UEFA has appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, a move widely viewed as a strong vote of confidence after his recent exclusion from the FIFA World Cup.

The announcement was made by UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin just hours before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ceferin praised Artan’s achievements and professionalism, describing him as one of Africa’s most accomplished match officials.

“Omar Artan is an outstanding young referee with considerable experience at the highest level of African football,” Ceferin said. “Football has the power to unite people, and UEFA wishes to recognize Omar’s exceptional officiating abilities, which earned him a place among the world's elite referees.”

According to UEFA, Artan will oversee the UEFA Super Cup clash between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA Europa League champions Aston Villa on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria.

The appointment follows consultations between UEFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as part of their ongoing cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening football development and promoting values such as unity, equality, and non-discrimination.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe welcomed the decision, stating that Artan’s achievements have brought immense pride to Somalia and the African continent.

“His recognition as CAF Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025 and his selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup reflected his world-class capabilities and the respect he commands internationally,” Motsepe said.

He added that Artan’s selection for the UEFA Super Cup is not only a personal achievement but also a milestone for African referees, highlighting football’s ability to connect people across continents.

The referee’s situation attracted widespread attention after he was denied entry into the United States upon arriving at Miami International Airport last weekend. A U.S. State Department official stated that Artan was deemed ineligible for admission due to alleged associations with individuals suspected of links to terrorist organizations.

Following the development, FIFA confirmed that Artan would no longer serve as one of the officials at the 2026 World Cup, which is being hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The decision sparked concern among Somali sports authorities and supporters. Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Sports, revealed that the government had engaged with several international sporting bodies to seek support for the referee.

“We reached out to a number of organizations, particularly in Europe, to draw attention to the matter and request assistance,” Abshir said. “UEFA’s response demonstrates its commitment to fairness and integrity within the sport. Officiating the UEFA Super Cup is a remarkable opportunity, and we appreciate UEFA’s support.”

Despite the disappointment of missing the World Cup, Artan received a hero’s welcome upon his return to Mogadishu on Wednesday. Addressing supporters, he expressed determination to continue his career at the highest level and pledged to work towards officiating at the 2030 FIFA World Cup.