Somali referee Omar Artan, denied entry to the United States for the 2026 World Cup despite a valid visa, has been appointed by UEFA to officiate the Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.
The 34-year-old, regarded as Africa’s top referee, was stopped at Miami International Airport this week over “vetting concerns” and returned to Somalia. He had been selected as one of FIFA’s 52 match officials for the tournament.
UEFA announced on Thursday that Artan will take charge of the August 12 clash in Salzburg, Austria, between the Champions League and Europa League winners.
“Despite his young age, Artan has established himself as one of the world’s top referees,” UEFA said in a statement.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin praised the appointment as a gesture of respect.
“Omar Artan is an excellent young but already experienced referee… Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills,” Ceferin said.
The decision was made in cooperation with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). CAF President Patrice Motsepe welcomed the move.
“Omar Artan has made Somalia and the entire people of the African Continent extremely proud… This is a great honour for Omar Artan and for African referees,” Motsepe stated.
Artan’s selection makes him the first African referee to officiate a major UEFA club final. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had earlier described the visa issue as “unfortunate.”
