CAF president Motsepe proud of Somalia referee Omar Artan despite 2026 World Cup setback

CAF president Patrice Motsepe has expressed strong pride in Somali referee Omar Artan, describing him as a symbol of African excellence in officiating despite the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to entry denial complications.

Motsepe praised Artan’s rapid rise on the global stage and insisted that his recognition at continental and international level remains a major achievement for Somalia and African football as a whole.

He highlighted Artan’s success in winning the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year 2025 award, calling it clear evidence of his consistency, professionalism, and elite-level officiating standards.

According to Motsepe, Artan’s inclusion among referees selected for elite FIFA assignments, including the 2026 World Cup list, reflects the growing respect African officials are earning worldwide.

“Omar Artan has made Somalia and the entire African continent extremely proud,” Motsepe said, underlining the significance of his achievements beyond the current setback.

The CAF president also acknowledged support from UEFA leadership, thanking Aleksander Čeferin for facilitating opportunities for Artan to officiate in top European competitions, including the UEFA Super Cup 2026. He said such cooperation between football confederations demonstrates how the game continues to unite different regions.

Motsepe stressed that while Artan’s absence from the World Cup is unfortunate, it does not diminish his standing in global refereeing circles. Instead, he described it as a temporary obstacle in an otherwise impressive career trajectory.

“This is a great honour for Omar Artan and African referees, and a strong example of football uniting Africa, Europe, and the world,” Motsepe added.

Artan’s situation has sparked discussion within football governance circles about administrative barriers that can affect officials at major tournaments, but CAF has maintained its support for the referee and his continued development at the highest level.

Despite the setback, Artan is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most promising referees, with his performances in continental and European competitions continuing to strengthen his international reputation.