Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate UEFA Super Cup after US banishment

Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the United States in March 2026 and thus lost his chance to referee at the World Cup finals, has now been appointed to take charge of the UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint‑Germain and Aston Villa.

The 12 August clash, scheduled to take place in Salzburg, will see PSG – the Champions League champions – face Europa League winners Aston Villa.

In a statement issued by UEFA, the governing body said the decision was made after extensive consultations with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the CAF president, Patrice Motsepe, who “enthusiastically supported the initiative.”

Ceferin said: “Omar Artan is an excellent young referee, already experienced and proven at the highest competition level.” He added, “Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect for Omar and his outstanding officiating skills.”

Artan, a FIFA‑listed referee since 2018 and the 2025 CAF men’s referee of the year, was expected to be the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup finals. However, US border officials in Miami denied him entry despite his holding a diplomatic passport and a single‑entry visa, citing an alleged association with suspected members of terror organisations.

After the ban, FIFA announced that Artan would miss the 2026 World Cup. UEFA’s appointment is a significant statement of solidarity, signalling that the international football community values referees’ safety and integrity over geopolitical complications.

⚠️ Readers should verify details from official sources as this is based on early reports.