UEFA Appoints Omar Artan to Officiate 2026 Super Cup

NYON, Switzerland — Just days after being denied entry into the United States and missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Somali referee Omar Artan has received one of the biggest appointments of his career.

UEFA announced on Wednesday that Artan will officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, a prestigious match between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA Europa League champions Aston Villa. The match is scheduled to take place on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria.

The appointment comes less than a week after Artan was barred from entering the United States, a decision that prevented him from becoming the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup. Despite holding a valid visa and being officially selected by FIFA, U.S. authorities denied him entry, citing unspecified vetting concerns.

UEFA said Artan’s selection followed discussions with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as part of a broader cooperation agreement between the two organizations. The move has been widely interpreted as a vote of confidence in one of Africa’s most respected match officials.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin praised Artan’s achievements, describing him as a referee whose professionalism and performances have earned international recognition. CAF President Patrice Motsepe also welcomed the appointment, calling it a moment of pride for both Somalia and African football.

For Artan, the announcement represents a remarkable turnaround following a difficult week that attracted global attention.

The 34-year-old referee has steadily risen through the ranks of international football over the past decade. He became the first Somali referee to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations and was named Africa’s Best Male Referee in 2025. Earlier this year, he also became the first Somali official selected for a FIFA World Cup.

His exclusion from the World Cup sparked criticism from sports officials, politicians, and football supporters across Africa. Upon returning to Mogadishu, Artan received a hero’s welcome from fans who viewed his achievements as a source of national pride regardless of the setback.

The UEFA Super Cup is regarded as one of Europe’s most prestigious annual football events, bringing together the winners of the continent’s two major club competitions. For Artan, officiating the fixture offers an opportunity to return to the global spotlight and further cement his reputation among the world’s elite referees.

While the controversy surrounding his World Cup absence continues to generate discussion, UEFA’s decision sends a clear message that Artan remains one of the most highly regarded referees in international football.

For many Somalis, the appointment is more than a personal achievement. It is another historic milestone for a referee whose journey has already broken barriers and inspired a new generation of sports officials across the country.