UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar Artan for his skills – Aleksander Čeferin explains decision to appoint Somali referee to officiate PSG v Aston Villa Super Cup clash

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has offered a strong defence of the decision to appoint Somali referee Omar Artan as the centre official for the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, describing the move as both a recognition of talent and a statement on football’s unifying values.

Artan, 34, was earlier denied entry into the United States, ruling him out of officiating duties at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The setback sparked debate across the global football community, but UEFA has now handed him one of its most high-profile appointments for the fixture between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.

Speaking on the appointment, Čeferin praised Artan’s rapid rise and consistency at elite level competitions under the Confederation of African Football.

“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,” Čeferin said.

He framed the decision as part of UEFA’s broader commitment to inclusivity and sporting recognition beyond political or administrative barriers.

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

The UEFA chief also acknowledged collaboration with African football leadership in finalising the appointment.

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

The match, scheduled for August 12, 2026, will take place at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria, and will feature the winners of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League. The fixture traditionally serves as the curtain-raiser to the European club season and is widely regarded as a showcase of elite officiating and top-tier continental football.

Artan’s appointment is expected to draw significant attention given the circumstances surrounding his World Cup absence, with UEFA’s decision seen by many as both a vote of confidence and a symbolic gesture highlighting football’s global reach beyond borders.