UEFA Hands Somali Referee Artan Super Cup Appointment After US World Cup Ban

Somali referee Omar Artan, who was recently denied entry into the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has been appointed to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, UEFA announced on Thursday.

The decision comes just days after Artan was barred from entering the US upon arrival at Miami International Airport, preventing him from taking up his World Cup duties.

Despite the controversy, European football’s governing body moved swiftly to recognise the Somali official’s credentials, naming him referee for the prestigious Super Cup clash scheduled for 12 August in Salzburg, Austria.

The annual curtain-raiser will pit UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain against UEFA Europa League champions Aston Villa.

According to France24.com report, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin hailed Artan as one of Africa’s finest referees, describing the appointment as a reflection of his outstanding performances on the continental stage.

“Omar Artan is an excellent young, yet already experienced referee who has proven himself at the highest level of competition within the Confederation of African Football,” Ceferin said.

“Football is meant to connect people, and UEFA wishes to show its respect for Omar and his exceptional officiating abilities, which earned him such a prestigious nomination.”

UEFA said the appointment followed consultations with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and forms part of a broader cooperation agreement between the two governing bodies aimed at developing football and match officiating.

In a statement, UEFA stressed that both organisations remain committed to promoting the values of unity, equality and non-discrimination through football.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe welcomed the decision, describing it as a significant achievement for both Artan and African refereeing.

“Omar Artan has made Somalia and the entire African continent extremely proud,” Motsepe said.

“His recognition as CAF Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025 and his selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are evidence of his world-class refereeing ability and the international respect he commands.”

Motsepe added that Artan’s appointment to officiate the Super Cup was not only a personal honour but also a landmark moment for African officials.

“This is a great honour for Omar Artan and for African referees. It is also a powerful example of football’s ability to bring people together and unite communities across Africa, Europe and the wider world.”

Artan’s selection comes amid growing scrutiny surrounding his exclusion from the World Cup. A United States State Department official told AFP that the referee had been denied entry because he was allegedly “associated with suspected members of terrorist organisations”, rendering him ineligible for admission under US immigration regulations.

The decision sparked widespread debate in football circles, with many questioning the timing of the move against one of Africa’s most highly regarded match officials.

UEFA’s decision to hand Artan one of European football’s most prestigious appointments is likely to be viewed as a strong vote of confidence in the Somali referee’s integrity and professional standing.