Artan will become the first African official to take charge of a major UEFA final.
Somali referee Omar Artan has been appointed to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, marking a significant career milestone just days after his removal from the FIFA World Cup officiating panel following a U.S. entry denial.
UEFA confirmed Artan’s appointment on Thursday for the August 12 showdown in Salzburg, saying the decision was made in coordination with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The appointment comes after Artan, the reigning CAF Men’s Referee of the Year, was denied entry into the United States upon arriving in Miami earlier this week. U.S. authorities cited “vetting concerns,” a decision that resulted in his exclusion from the FIFA World Cup referee roster.
Despite the setback, UEFA President Aleksander ÄŒeferin backed the Somali official, describing him as “an excellent young but already experienced referee” whose performances have consistently stood out on the African football stage. He said the appointment reflects football’s ability to unite people across borders and circumstances.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe also welcomed the decision, calling it a proud moment for Somalia and African football. The appointment places one of the continent’s top referees in charge of one of Europe’s most prestigious club fixtures.
Artan has since returned to Mogadishu, where he received a warm welcome from football supporters and government officials, with many viewing the UEFA Super Cup assignment as a strong vote of confidence in his abilities despite the World Cup disappointment.
