Omar Artan to make history as first non-European referee in UEFA Super Cup

Somali referee Omar Artan will become the first official from outside Europe to take charge of a UEFA Super Cup match when he referees Paris Saint-Germain against Aston Villa in Salzburg.

The appointment marks a historic moment for the competition and will also be Artan’s first match as a referee on European soil. The 34-year-old arrives at the fixture after being named the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) Men’s Referee of the Year for 2025.

Artan’s involvement carries particular significance because he was denied the opportunity to officiate at the 2026 World Cup. He was refused entry to the United States after Somalia was included on the list of countries subject to an entry ban.

That decision prevented Artan from reaching a target he had worked towards for years. His selection for the UEFA Super Cup now gives him the opportunity to establish another landmark, this time by becoming the first non-European referee to oversee a match in the competition.

The Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa fixture in Salzburg will therefore represent more than a European debut for Artan. It will also place him in the history of the UEFA Super Cup, with his appointment extending the competition’s officiating profile beyond Europe for the first time.

Artan previously discussed the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 World Cup in an interview with UEFA. He said: “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. I greatly appreciate the support I received from all over the world. I am truly grateful.”

The referee’s selection comes after a year in which his standing in African football was recognised with the CAF award. That honour preceded his historic appointment to the UEFA Super Cup, where he will take charge of a match involving Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.

For Artan, the fixture offers a chance to turn a difficult period into a significant professional achievement. Although he was unable to officiate at the 2026 World Cup because he could not enter the United States, he will now make history in another major international fixture.

His appearance in Salzburg will be the first time a referee from outside Europe has managed a UEFA Super Cup match. It will also be Artan’s first assignment in Europe, making the occasion a notable milestone for both the Somali official and the competition.