Somali referee to handle UEFA Super Cup after World Cup denial

Somali referee Omar Artan has been handed a prestigious UEFA Super Cup appointment just days after being denied the opportunity to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

European football’s governing body confirmed that Artan will take charge of the clash between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and Europa League champions Aston Villa, scheduled to be played in Salzburg on August 12.

The appointment comes after Artan was forced to miss the World Cup following his denial of entry into the United States. 

The 2025 CAF Men’s Referee of the Year had been selected to become the first Somali official to referee at a World Cup finals but was turned away by immigration authorities upon arrival in Miami despite travelling with a diplomatic passport and a valid single-entry visa.

UEFA said the decision to appoint Artan to the Super Cup was made following discussions with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). 

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin praised the Somali official, describing him as a talented and experienced referee who has consistently demonstrated his quality at the highest levels of African football.

“Football is made to connect people. UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which earned him such a prestigious nomination. I am grateful to CAF President Patrice Motsepe for supporting this initiative.” Ceferin said in a statement.

The gesture has been widely viewed as a show of solidarity with Artan following his World Cup disappointment.

Artan, who joined FIFA’s international refereeing list in 2018, was ruled out of the World Cup after FIFA confirmed that US authorities would not alter his immigration status. 

A US government official later stated that the decision was linked to his alleged association with suspected members of terrorist organizations. 

Somalia remains one of several nations affected by travel restrictions introduced by the administration of President Donald Trump.

Despite the setback, Artan’s appointment to one of UEFA’s marquee fixtures represents a significant boost for both the referee and Somali football. 

The Super Cup will provide the highly regarded official with another opportunity to showcase his abilities on a global stage, ensuring that his remarkable rise in international refereeing continues despite missing out on the World Cup.