Just days after one of the most painful moments of his career, Somali referee Omar Artan has received one of the biggest appointments in world football.
UEFA has announced that the 34-year-old will officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg on August 12, handing Africa’s top referee a prestigious stage after he was unable to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The appointment comes just weeks after Artan’s World Cup dream was put on hold when he was denied entry into the United States despite being selected by FIFA as one of the tournament’s match officials.
Artan had been set to make history as the first Somali referee ever selected to officiate at a FIFA World Cup. However, his journey was interrupted after he was refused entry into the United States and subsequently returned home, sparking widespread reaction across the football world.
Rather than allowing that setback to define his year, UEFA and CAF have now combined to place him at the centre of one of Europe’s marquee fixtures.
The appointment was made under the framework of the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between UEFA and CAF, aimed at strengthening cooperation in key areas including referee development and exchange programmes.
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Since joining FIFA’s international list in 2018, the Somali official has steadily risen through the ranks to become one of Africa’s most respected referees. His performances during the 2025/26 season, including taking charge of the second leg of the CAF Champions League final, further enhanced his reputation on the continent.
Those achievements earned him the prestigious CAF Men’s Referee of the Year award in 2025, cementing his status as Africa’s leading match official.
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin praised Artan’s quality and experience, describing him as a referee who has consistently delivered at the highest levels of African football.
“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,” Čeferin said.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe also hailed the appointment as a moment of pride for Somalia and the African continent.
“Оmar Artan has made Somalia and the entire people of the African Continent extremely proud,” Motsepe said.
“He enjoys international respect because of his world-class refereeing ability.”
Only days ago, hundreds of supporters gathered in Mogadishu to welcome Artan home after his World Cup disappointment. Many viewed his original FIFA appointment as a breakthrough for Somali football and an inspiration for aspiring referees across East Africa.
The UEFA Super Cup may not replace the World Cup opportunity that slipped away, but it offers Artan another chance to showcase his talent on a global stage.
