Somali referee Omar Artan has been appointed as the centre referee for the 2026 UEFA Super Cup showdown between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, completing a remarkable turnaround just days after missing out on the FIFA World Cup.
The prestigious fixture is scheduled for August 12 at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, where Artan will oversee one of the biggest matches on the European football calendar.
The appointment comes shortly after a major setback for the 34-year-old, who was forced to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite being selected to officiate at the tournament.
Artan, who was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup finals, was reportedly denied entry into the United States at Miami International Airport on Monday despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single-entry US visa.
His absence from the global showpiece sparked widespread disappointment across Somalia and the wider African football community, with many viewing it as a cruel blow to a referee who had worked tirelessly to reach the pinnacle of the profession.
However, UEFA has now handed Artan one of its most high-profile assignments, underlining the governing body’s confidence in his abilities and reputation as one of the continent’s finest match officials.
The UEFA Super Cup traditionally brings together the winners of Europe’s major club competitions and is regarded as one of the most prestigious fixtures in world football outside the UEFA Champions League final.
For Artan, the appointment represents another significant milestone in a rapidly rising career. The Somali official was named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025 and has earned widespread recognition for his performances in both continental and international competitions.
His selection to officiate a match featuring European giants Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa serves as a fitting response to the disappointment of missing the World Cup and further highlights his growing standing within the game.
After returning to Somalia on Wednesday following his unsuccessful attempt to enter the United States, Artan received a hero’s welcome from supporters and football stakeholders across the country.
Now, instead of taking charge at the World Cup, the highly respected official will oversee a major European final featuring some of football’s biggest stars, ensuring that his remarkable rise continues on one of the sport’s grandest stages.
