Somali Referee Denied U.S. Entry Will Officiate UEFA Super Cup Final

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan is set to officiate the UEFA Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria. This appointment marks a significant milestone for the 34-year-old, who described it as a "dream" he has worked "very hard" to achieve. Artan's journey has been marked by challenges, including being denied entry to the United States for the World Cup due to immigration policies. Despite this setback, he has consistently broken barriers in football officiating. He previously became the first Somali to referee a final in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League and was named CAF's Men's Referee of the Year in 2025. His upcoming role makes him the first non-European referee to officiate the UEFA Super Cup. Speaking to UEFA, Artan shared his emotions about the upcoming match. "I was lucky, but I have worked very hard to get here and I am very proud," he stated. He reflected on his difficult upbringing but emphasized that it did not deter him from pursuing his aspirations. Artan also acknowledged the widespread support he received after facing difficulties, expressing deep gratitude. Artan's path to this prestigious match began after an injury led him to refereeing. He progressed from local neighborhood games to school matches before starting his professional career in the Somali league. He also became the first Somali to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024. Despite not having prior experience in European football, Artan diligently studies the game and the tactics of continental clubs to prepare for matches like the Super Cup final.

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I was lucky, but I have worked very hard to get here and I am very proud. As you can imagine, I grew up in a difficult situation, but that did not stop me from pursuing my dreams.