Omar Artan will referee the UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, following his controversial exclusion from the FIFA World Cup 2026 due to a US entry ban.
The Somali referee was initially selected as one of Africa's representatives for the World Cup but was denied entry by US Customs and Border Protection at Miami International Airport and placed on a return flight to Turkey.
Artan insisted he had the correct documentation, but the Trump administration stated that derogatory information, including alleged associations with suspected terror organizations, led to the decision.
The ruling sparked widespread outrage in the football community, with many showing solidarity with the official. UEFA has now made its stance clear by appointing Artan to officiate the Super Cup on August 12 in Salzburg, where Aston Villa will face PSG after winning the Europa League.
UEFA Statement
In an official statement, UEFA said: "Following discussions with CAF, UEFA has today appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup. Despite his young age, Artan has established himself as one of the world's top referees and has been on the FIFA international list since 2018."
The statement highlighted his achievements, including officiating the second leg of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League final and receiving the CAF Men's Referee of the Year Award 2025. It also noted that the appointment was made under a Memorandum of Understanding between UEFA and CAF to promote cooperation in refereeing.
UEFA President's Support
UEFA president Alexander Ceferin added: "Omar Artan is an excellent young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level. Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills."
Artan had been poised to make history as Somalia's first-ever World Cup representative. He earned the accolade of Africa's top official, having also overseen two Africa Cup of Nations fixtures.
