Top Somali referee Omar Artan seeks opportunity to officiate in Egyptian Premier League

Somali referee Omar Artan has reportedly expressed interest in officiating in the Egyptian Premier League, with a request said to have been submitted to the country’s football authorities as discussions continue over a possible arrangement.

The proposal is reportedly under consideration by Egyptian football officials, although its implementation remains subject to approval from the Egyptian Football Association (EFA).

Artan has built a strong reputation on the African football scene through his performances in major continental competitions, earning recognition for his officiating at the highest level of the game.

A FIFA international referee since 2018, the Somali official has steadily risen through the ranks and handled several high-profile fixtures. His experience includes officiating the second leg of the 2024/25 CAF Champions League final, one of the most significant matches in African club football.

He has also taken charge of matches at the Africa Cup of Nations, further strengthening his standing among the continent’s leading referees. His performances earned him the African Referee of the Year award in 2025, marking a major milestone in his career.

Artan’s growing profile has also extended beyond Africa. Despite reportedly being denied entry to the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he was subsequently linked with an opportunity to officiate in European football, underlining the attention surrounding his development as a referee.

He was reported to have been approached for the UEFA Super Cup encounter involving Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on August 12, an appointment that would have represented a significant breakthrough for an African official on the European stage.

A potential move into Egyptian football would offer Artan another opportunity to gain experience in a highly competitive domestic league featuring some of Africa’s most prominent clubs.

However, no final decision has been reported on the proposal, with the Egyptian Football Association expected to determine whether the arrangement can proceed.

If approved, Artan’s involvement in the Egyptian Premier League would add an international dimension to the league’s officiating and further expand the Somali referee’s experience across different football environments.