CAF’s 2025 best referee Omar Artan makes history in European Super Cup

Somali referee Omar Artan made history by becoming the first official from outside Europe to referee a European Super Cup match when he took charge of Paris Saint-Germain’s meeting with Aston Villa in Salzburg.

The 34-year-old’s appointment marks a landmark moment for African football and comes after he was named the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) best male referee for 2025.

Artan’s appearance in the prestigious fixture also represents a significant personal achievement after he missed out on officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Artan breaks new ground for Africa

The PSG-Aston Villa encounter was Artan’s first match in European football and provided him with an opportunity to make history on one of the continent’s biggest stages.

His appointment means an African referee has now officiated a European Super Cup match for the first time, underlining Artan’s growing reputation beyond the continent.

The Somali official entered the fixture after a highly successful 2025, when CAF recognised him as its leading male referee.

World Cup setback adds significance

Artan’s European Super Cup appointment comes after a difficult period in his international refereeing career.

He was denied the opportunity to officiate at the 2026 World Cup after refusing to travel to the United States, with Somalia included on a list of countries subject to an entry ban.

Reflecting on the disappointment in an interview with UEFA, Artan said: “Many people have expressed their sympathy for me, because when you work for many years to achieve a goal, and then you can’t achieve it in the end, it’s very difficult. I greatly appreciate the support I have received from all over the world. I am truly grateful.”

His historic European Super Cup assignment therefore offered a major opportunity to move beyond that setback and represent Somalia and African refereeing on an international stage.

A landmark moment for Somali refereeing

Artan’s journey to the European Super Cup is another significant milestone for Somali football.

At 34, he has already established himself as one of Africa’s leading referees, and his appointment by UEFA provides further recognition of his standing in the game.

For African football, his historic appearance in Salzburg represents a rare moment of crossover between the continent’s refereeing talent and European club football.

The assignment against PSG and Aston Villa has now placed Artan’s name in the history of the European Super Cup while giving African refereeing another landmark achievement to celebrate.