Omar Artan to represent Africa in UEFA Super Cup after World Cup setback

Somali referee Omar Artan will return to the international spotlight next Wednesday when he takes charge of the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria.

The 34-year-old was prevented from refereeing at the 2026 World Cup in the United States after being denied entry to the country because of his nationality. His appointment to oversee the meeting between the UEFA Champions League winners, Paris Saint-Germain, and the UEFA Europa League winners, Aston Villa, therefore carries particular significance.

Artan described the experience of missing out on the World Cup as extremely difficult, having worked for years towards the ambition of officiating at the tournament.

“Many people expressed their sympathy for me, because when you work for many years to achieve a goal and then you are unable to achieve it in the end, it is extremely difficult,” Artan told UEFA’s official website.

He added, as reported by Foot Mercato: “Nevertheless, I greatly appreciate the support I received from all over the world. I am truly grateful.”

The official has faced adversity since childhood. His father died suddenly and he grew up without his mother, but he built his career through determination and hard work before reaching the highest levels of refereeing.

“I was fortunate, but I worked hard to get here and I am very proud of that. As you can imagine, I grew up in difficult circumstances, but that did not stop me from pursuing my dreams,” he said.

Artan’s selection is part of a memorandum of understanding signed at the end of April by UEFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The agreement is intended to strengthen cooperation between the two governing bodies in several areas, including refereeing.

The match in Salzburg will give Artan the opportunity to represent his continent on one of European football’s biggest stages. He said he understood the importance of the occasion and welcomed the chance to contribute to closer links between officials from Europe and Africa.

“The level in Europe is exceptional, and the football played there is of a very high quality. I believe CAF referees have a lot to learn from UEFA, just as UEFA referees have a lot to learn from CAF. It is a mutually beneficial relationship,” Artan said.

He also spoke of the pride he felt at being chosen for such a high-profile fixture, while acknowledging the support he expects from Somali communities across Europe and in Austria.

“I am honoured to have been selected to referee this major match. There is a large Somali community in Europe and Austria, and its members are very excited for me to referee a match like this,” he said.