UEFA names US-barred Omar Abdulkadir Artan for Super Cup final after Trump migration row | OneFootball

UEFA has appointed Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan to oversee the Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on 12 August in Salzburg. El Periódico Mediterráneo reports that the move is a symbolic response to Donald Trump's hardline migration policy.

He was turned away at Miami on 6 June after flying from Istanbul, with US border officials citing background-check issues. No exemption was made for the Somali official, even with FIFA's backing and his 2025 award as CAF's best referee.

Somalia's government demanded explanations from Washington and FIFA, while the sports ministry called his treatment lamentable. Artan, 34, thanked supporters and said he would stay positive, focus on future challenges and maintain his refereeing standards.

Before making the appointment, UEFA consulted the Confederation of African Football. CAF president Patrice Motsepe said it showed football's ability to unite people across Africa, Europe and the wider world.

Artan has been a FIFA international since 2018 and handled the second leg of this season's CAF Champions League final. He had been selected by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup, and the Super Cup opens the European club season.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo