Somali Referee Omar Artan To Officiate 2026 UEFA Super Cup After US World Cup Entry Denial

UEFA has appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate next season’s UEFA Super Cup after he was unable to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup because he was denied entry into the United States.

The European football governing body announced that Omar Artan will oversee the Super Cup clash between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Europa League champions Aston Villa.

The match is scheduled to take place on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria.

According to UEFA, the appointment followed consultations with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin praised Artan’s refereeing ability, saying he deserved the opportunity because of his impressive performances in African football competitions.

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

“Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which had earned him such a prestigious nomination.

“I am grateful to my friend CAF President Patrice Motsepe for supporting enthusiastically our initiative.”

Omar Artan was originally selected as one of the 52 match officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

However, his participation ended after he was refused entry into the US upon arriving at Miami International Airport.

US authorities said he was denied admission because the referee was “associated with suspected members of terrorist organisations”, therefore “making the traveller ineligible for admission to the United States”.

Following the decision, FIFA confirmed that Artan would no longer officiate at the World Cup.

On Wednesday, the Somali referee returned home to a warm welcome in Mogadishu, where he thanked supporters and expressed his determination to work towards officiating at the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

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