Somali referee Omar Artan set to make UEFA Super Cup history on Wednesday

Somali referee Omar Artan has arrived in Salzburg, Austria, ahead of a landmark assignment that will see him become the first non-European referee to officiate the UEFA Super Cup.

Artan has been appointed to take charge of the 2026 UEFA Super Cup final between French champions Paris Saint-Germain and English side Aston Villa on Wednesday, August 12, at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg.

The appointment represents a significant milestone for both Artan and African football, with the Somali official set to take charge of one of European club football’s most prestigious fixtures.

The UEFA Super Cup traditionally brings together the winners of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, providing an early opportunity for the respective European champions to compete for silverware at the start of the new season.

Artan’s selection marks a historic step in UEFA’s appointment of match officials. His presence at the centre of the final will make him the first referee from outside Europe to officiate the competition.

The Somali official has steadily built a reputation on the international stage, earning opportunities to handle high-profile matches and becoming one of Africa’s emerging refereeing figures.

His appointment for the PSG-Aston Villa clash is therefore a major recognition of his development and the growing profile of African referees in international football.

The Red Bull Arena will provide the stage for Artan’s historic appearance, with the 2026 UEFA Super Cup expected to attract significant attention as PSG and Aston Villa battle for the first major European trophy of the new campaign.

For Artan, however, the occasion will carry an additional significance. Beyond officiating the final, he will be making history by breaking new ground for referees from outside Europe in a competition that has traditionally been overseen by European officials.

The 2026 UEFA Super Cup will consequently be remembered not only for the contest between PSG and Aston Villa, but also for Artan’s landmark appointment.