Europe’s football regulating body, UEFA, has appointed Somali referee Omar Artan as the match official for the 2026 UEFA Super Cup.
UEFA announced on June 11, that Artan’s appointment followed discussions with the Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF).
The Somali referee will now officiate the match set to be played between UEFA Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and UEFA Europa League winner Aston Villa.
UEFA explained that the appointment comes as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently signed with CAF to encourage co-operation.
“UEFA and CAF are united by a shared commitment to developing football at all levels and promoting the core values of unity, equality and non-discrimination,” the statement read.
Artan gained prominence after the United States refused to allow him enter the country despite his inclusion by FIFA in the officials list for the 2026 World Cup. The US argued that its decision was due to security risks posed by the Somali referee to their country.
This action triggered massive backlash as it joined a series of similar allegations of discrimination by the US against football fans, and some countries. In response, FIFA recused itself, arguing that the host country is free to dictate whatever it wants.
Despite his young age, Artan has established himself as one of the world’s top referees. This positioned him on FIFA’s international officials’ list since 2018.
Artan has over his career officiated notable matches like the second leg of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League final. His performance led to major recognitions, including the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year Award 2025.
