Somalia top referee Omar Artan earns UEFA invitation after Super Cup assignment

Somali referee Omar Artan has received another major recognition from UEFA just days after taking charge of the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.

Artan continues to strengthen his reputation on the international stage after being selected to officiate the prestigious European fixture on August 12.

His impressive performance has reportedly earned further recognition from UEFA, with the European governing body inviting the Somali official to participate in the 2026 UEFA Men’s Summer Course in Geneva, Switzerland.

The course is scheduled to take place from August 31 to September 2, 2026, and will bring together referees as part of UEFA’s preparations and development programme.

According to reports, UEFA has also expressed an interest in seeing Artan officiate matches in European competitions, a significant indication of the confidence the organisation has placed in the African referee.

UEFA is understood to have formally communicated the invitation to both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Somali Football Federation, paving the way for Artan to attend the programme.

The latest development represents another important milestone in the career of the Somali official, particularly after he was previously denied entry into the United States and consequently unable to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Despite that setback, Artan has continued to make progress internationally and has now earned the attention of UEFA.

His appointment for the UEFA Super Cup between PSG and Aston Villa marked a major moment for Somali refereeing, while the subsequent invitation to the UEFA summer course further underlines his growing standing within the international refereeing community.

Artan’s involvement in UEFA’s programme could also provide valuable exposure and experience as he continues to establish himself among Africa’s leading match officials.