Somalia President reportedly plans five-bedroom house gift for Omar Artan as UEFA hands referee Super Cup appointment

Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is reportedly preparing to reward internationally acclaimed referee Omar Artan with a five-bedroom house following the official’s controversial exclusion from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

According to emerging reports, plans are underway for the Somali leader to present the property to Artan in recognition of his achievements and the manner in which he has represented Somalia on the global football stage.

Artan recently became the subject of international attention after being denied entry into the United States despite holding valid travel documentation and being selected among the match officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The decision ultimately resulted in his removal from FIFA’s list of referees for the tournament. U.S. authorities cited vetting concerns, while the incident sparked widespread debate across the football community and beyond.

The 34-year-old official had been set to make history as the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup. His exclusion prompted strong reactions from football stakeholders, fans, and members of the Somali community worldwide.

Upon his return to Mogadishu, Artan received a hero’s welcome from supporters and government officials who praised his achievements and resilience.

In a significant show of support, UEFA has since moved to recognize the highly-rated referee by appointing him to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup clash between European champions Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg on August 12.

The appointment is widely viewed as a major vote of confidence in Artan’s abilities and reputation within international football. UEFA officials described the decision as part of ongoing cooperation with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), while also acknowledging Artan’s standing as one of Africa’s leading match officials.

Artan, who was named CAF’s Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025, has officiated at several major continental competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations and CAF Champions League matches. His rapid rise has made him one of Somalia’s most celebrated sporting figures.

Should the reported housing gift materialize, it would represent one of the most significant public gestures of appreciation made by the Somali government towards a sports official and further underscore the national pride generated by Artan’s achievements despite the setback surrounding the World Cup.

For now, attention turns to August, when the Somali referee will take charge of one of European football’s most prestigious fixtures, marking a remarkable comeback after one of the most talked-about controversies of the 2026 World Cup.