Omar Artan: Officiating European Super Cup a happy moment for me and my family

Somali referee Omar Artan has described his appointment to officiate the European Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa as one of the most significant and emotional moments of his career.

The appointment comes after a challenging period for Artan, who was unable to travel to the United States to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Reflecting on the setback, Artan said: “It was a very difficult period for me after not being able to travel to America to participate in the World Cup, but I appreciate the great support I received from everyone around the world.”

The 2026 World Cup disappointment has, however, been followed by a major career opportunity, with Artan set to take charge of the European Super Cup encounter.

He revealed that the news of his appointment brought immense joy to both himself and his family.

“Receiving the news of my appointment to manage this match was a very happy moment for me and my family. I grew up in very difficult circumstances, but that did not prevent me from achieving my dreams. I worked hard and I am proud of what I have achieved,” he said.

Artan also described his selection as a major achievement for African refereeing, stressing the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing between referees from Africa and Europe.

“It is a great honour for me and for African refereeing to officiate this final. The level there is excellent, and African and European refereeing can benefit and learn from each other,” he added.

The Somali official also used his experience to encourage young referees who aspire to reach the highest levels of the profession.

“If I can succeed, anyone can. Never stop dreaming, learn every day and refresh your skills, and most importantly, be fair and confident in your decisions,” Artan said.

The European Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, with kick-off at 7pm Cairo time.