Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has received one of the biggest appointments of his career after UEFA selected him to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup clash between European champions Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria.
The announcement comes just days after Artan was denied entry into the United States and subsequently missed out on officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite being among FIFA’s selected match officials for the tournament.
According to UEFA, the 34-year-old Somali referee will take charge of the prestigious curtain-raiser scheduled for August 12, where UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain will face UEFA Europa League champions Aston Villa.
From World Cup Heartbreak to European Recognition
Artan’s appointment has attracted global attention because it follows a highly publicized controversy surrounding his exclusion from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Somali official had been selected by FIFA among the referees for the tournament, making him the first Somali referee ever chosen for a men’s FIFA World Cup. However, upon arrival in Miami, Florida, he was denied entry into the United States and was unable to participate in the competition. FIFA later confirmed that he would not officiate at the tournament.
His exclusion sparked widespread debate across the football world, with Somali authorities and football stakeholders expressing disappointment over the decision.
UEFA’s decision to hand Artan the Super Cup assignment is being viewed by many as recognition of his standing among the continent’s elite referees and a show of support following the World Cup setback. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and CAF President Patrice Motsepe reportedly backed the appointment under a growing cooperation agreement between the two football governing bodies.
A Trailblazer for Somali Football
Born in Mogadishu and a FIFA-listed referee since 2018, Artan has become one of Africa’s most respected match officials. He has officiated in CAF Champions League matches, Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and several major continental fixtures.
In 2024, he made history as the first Somali referee to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations. He later became the first Somali official selected for a FIFA World Cup, a milestone widely celebrated across the Horn of Africa.
Artan’s rise has been remarkable considering Somalia’s long struggle with instability and limited football infrastructure. His achievements have become a symbol of the country’s growing presence on the international football stage.
CAF Referee of the Year
The Somali official’s reputation has continued to grow in recent years. In 2025, he was named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year, cementing his status as one of the best referees on the African continent.
His performances in high-profile CAF competitions earned praise from football administrators and observers alike, leading to his selection for major FIFA and continental tournaments.
Hero’s Welcome Back Home
Following his return to Somalia after missing the World Cup, Artan received a hero’s welcome at Mogadishu’s Aden Abdulle International Airport, where supporters, football officials and government representatives gathered to celebrate his achievements despite the disappointment.
Speaking upon his return, Artan vowed to continue pursuing excellence and expressed confidence that he would one day officiate at a future World Cup.
The UEFA Super Cup appointment now offers him an immediate opportunity to showcase his abilities on one of football’s biggest stages, reinforcing his position as one of Africa’s leading referees and a source of pride for Somalia and the wider East African region.
