UEFA Appoints Somali Referee For Super Cup After World Cup Snub

UEFA has appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, just days after he was reportedly denied entry into the United States and ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Artan, who was expected to become the first Somali referee at a FIFA World Cup, will now take charge of the Super Cup clash between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA Europa League champions Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, on August 12.

UEFA announced the appointment on Thursday, stating that the decision followed discussions with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) under a newly established cooperation agreement between both bodies.

The 34-year-old has been on FIFA’s international referees list since 2018 and was named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025, marking him as one of Africa’s leading officials.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin praised the decision, describing Artan as an experienced referee who has performed at the highest level of African football competitions.

“Omar Artan is an excellent young but already experienced referee,” Čeferin said, adding that UEFA respects his officiating achievements and international recognition.

He further noted that football should serve as a unifying force across nations and cultures, emphasizing UEFA’s commitment to inclusivity in the sport.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe also welcomed the appointment, saying Artan’s rise had made Somalia and Africa proud and highlighted the growing quality of refereeing on the continent.

He described the decision as a positive example of football’s ability to unite people across Africa, Europe, and the world through shared sporting values.

Artan’s appointment is being viewed as a significant career milestone following his exclusion from the World Cup officiating list despite earlier expectations of participation.