UEFA offers lifeline to referee Omar Artan after World Cup ban

Paris – UEFA has offered a lifeline to Somali referee Omar Artan, appointing him to officiate the UEFA Super Cup match on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria. The game will feature European champions Paris Saint-Germain against Europa League winners Aston Villa.

This decision follows Omar Artan's exclusion from the 2026 World Cup officiating list by FIFA. Artan was denied entry into the United States upon arrival at Miami International Airport, preventing him from participating in the tournament co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada. FIFA confirmed the 32-year-old referee would no longer be involved, despite his previous ranking among the world's top 52 officials.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin lauded Artan as one of Africa's finest young referees, highlighting his proven capabilities on the continental stage. "Artan is an excellent and experienced young referee. He has proven his abilities at the highest level of African football," Ceferin stated. "Football should unite people, and UEFA wants to show respect for Artan and the quality of his refereeing, which earns him this prestigious assignment."

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Artan is an excellent and experienced young referee. He has proven his abilities at the highest level of African football. Football should unite people, and UEFA wants to show respect for Artan and the quality of his refereeing, which earns him this prestigious assignment.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Patrice Motsepe, also viewed Artan's UEFA Super Cup appointment as a significant honor for Somalia and the entire African continent. "This is a great honor for Omar Artan and also for African referees. It proves that football can unite people across continents and borders," Motsepe said.

Artan received a hero's welcome upon returning to Mogadishu and has vowed to pursue an opportunity to officiate in the 2030 World Cup after his 2026 dream was dashed.

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This is a great honor for Omar Artan and also for African referees. It proves that football can unite people across continents and borders.