Somali Referee Omar Artan Appointed for UEFA Super Cup Amid Controversy

Omar Artan, a prominent Somali referee, has been appointed to officiate the UEFA Super Cup, set for August 12 in Salzburg. This comes after he faced entry restrictions to the U.S. for the FIFA World Cup 2026 due to alleged security concerns. Artan, recognized as Africa's referee of the year in 2025, expressed disappointment over the situation but remains committed to his role in promoting football. His appointment is part of a broader collaboration between UEFA and CAF aimed at enhancing officiating standards. Read on to discover more about Artan's journey and the implications of his recent experiences.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 12, 2026, 02:00 IST

Omar Artan to Officiate UEFA Super Cup

Cairo, Egypt - On June 11, the Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) announced the appointment of Somali referee Omar Artan for the upcoming UEFA Super Cup. This prestigious match is scheduled for August 12 in Salzburg, featuring Paris Saint-Germain, the UEFA Champions League champions, against Aston Villa FC, the UEFA Europa League winners.

Artan has gained recognition as one of the leading referees globally and has been part of the FIFA international officiating list since 2018. His notable officiating experience includes the second leg of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League final. His exceptional performance earned him the title of CAF Men’s Referee of the Year for 2025, as reported by the CAF Media.

Although Artan was selected by FIFA to officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026, he was unable to attend due to entry restrictions imposed by the United States.

https://x.com/CAF_Media/status/2065070108217655315?s=20

The decision to appoint Artan for the UEFA Super Cup aligns with a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UEFA and CAF, aimed at fostering collaboration in various areas, including officiating. Both organizations are committed to advancing football and upholding values of unity, equality, and non-discrimination.

Earlier this week, Artan expressed disappointment over being barred from entering the U.S. for the World Cup, stating it was an unfortunate situation. He was poised to be the first Somali referee at the global tournament but was turned away by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) over the weekend, according to reports.

The Trump administration indicated that Artan's entry was denied due to alleged connections with individuals linked to terrorist organizations.

"What happened has happened, and it was unfortunate. I am grateful for the support FIFA gave me," Artan remarked upon his return to Mogadishu, Somalia. He encouraged his supporters to remain hopeful about their country, stating, "Somalia is ours, whether things are good or bad. I want to tell our youth not to lose hope in our country. I am now in my country, and there is no other place I want to be."

A FIFA spokesperson confirmed that Artan would not be able to train or officiate during the tournament, which will take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, starting Thursday.

The Somali government expressed regret over the situation, noting its unsuccessful attempts to engage with both the U.S. and FIFA to facilitate Artan's entry.

While not naming him, U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated that a Somali national arriving at Miami International Airport from Istanbul was denied entry due to "vetting concerns." An official later clarified that the individual was assessed as a potential national security risk.