The Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been officially appointed to referee the UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on August 12 in Salzburg. This appointment comes just days after his exclusion from the 2026 World Cup due to his refusal to enter the United States.
A major event entrusted to Artan
Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be the referee for the upcoming UEFA Super Cup. The match will pit PSG, winners of the Champions League, against Aston Villa, winners of the Europa League. The game is scheduled for August 12 in Salzburg, Austria. This appointment places the Somali referee at the center of a major European fixture. The UEFA Super Cup traditionally opens the continental season by pitting the two clubs crowned champions of UEFA's main competitions against each other.
Left out of the World Cup in the United States
As a reminder, the 34-year-old referee was scheduled to participate in the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He had been selected as one of the tournament officials, but was denied entry to the United States. Despite having a visa, Artan was not allowed to enter the country. FIFA subsequently confirmed that he would be unable to train or officiate during the competition. The governing body also stated that it does not interfere in the immigration procedures of the host country.
A Somali referee in the foreground
Omar Abdulkadir Artan is one of Africa's most prominent referees. He was named CAF's African Referee of the Year for 2025. His presence at the 2026 World Cup would have marked a historic first for Somali refereeing. Before this appointment for the UEFA Super Cup, Artan had already officiated important matches on the African continent. Notably, he became the first Somali referee to officiate in an African continental final.
