A Somali referee is banned from the World Cup to officiate a major European fixture

Somali official Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been selected to referee next month’s UEFA Super Cup, weeks after his planned World Cup appearance was scuppered by travel problems. The 34-year-old was originally named on FIFA’s list of referees for the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19. but was unable to attend after being denied entry to the United States despite a valid visa.

UEFA announced on Thursday that Artan’s appointment came after consultation with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and is part of a wider cooperation agreement recently concluded between the two organisations. Artan will take charge of the Super Cup match on August 12 in Salzburg, where UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain face Europa League winners Aston Villa.

“UEFA has today appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA Europa League winners Aston Villa FC in Salzburg on 12 August.”

“Despite his young age, Artan has established himself as one of the best referees in the world and has been on the FIFA international list since 2018. Among the most notable matches he officiated was the second leg of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League final. He was awarded the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year 2025 award in recognition of his performances,” the 20th read.

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said that after the latest fiasco, they wanted to show respect to Artan and hailed him as an excellent referee.

“Omar Artan is an excellent young but already experienced referee who has proven himself at the highest level of competition in the Confederation of African Football. Football is made to bring people together and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his excellent refereeing skills that have earned him such a prestigious nomination. I am grateful to my friend, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, for his enthusiastic support of our initiative,” said Ceferin. (Credit: UEFA)

ARTAN GETS A HERO’S WELCOME BACK HOME

Somalia welcomed Artan as a hero after returning home from the US after being denied entry to the World Cup. The 34-year-old said he hopes to make it to the 2030 World Cup after the overwhelming reception he received back home.

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Published on:

11 Jun 2026 19:54 IST