Omar Artan back in spotlight with UEFA Super Cup after US World Cup snub | OneFootball

Denied entry to the United States while due to officiate at the World Cup, Somali referee Omar Artan will take charge of the UEFA Super Cup between PSG and Aston Villa in Salzburg on Wednesday at 21:00. It lands as another snub from UEFA to FIFA.

According to L'Équipe, UEFA moved to appoint Artan two months ago, and the timing has proved especially pointed after his US setback. The organisation even staged his smooth arrival at Salzburg airport with selfies, and Gianni Infantino later called the episode unfortunate, saying football bodies do not dictate to governments or police. Artan described a very difficult period, appreciated global support, and said the call brought real joy to his family.

He added that there is a significant Somali community in Europe and in Austria, and many are delighted that he is refereeing a game of this stature.

Artan, 34, was named CAF’s best referee in 2025.

He will become the first non-European to officiate a UEFA Super Cup, having missed out on becoming the first Somali to referee at a World Cup.

Source: L'Équipe

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”