Omar Artan, a Somali referee and World Cup match official who was denied entry to the U.S. due to visa complications, has been appointed by UEFA to officiate the UEFA Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on August 12.
At 34 years old, Artan has returned to Somalia after being barred from entering the U.S. when he arrived in Miami this week to join World Cup match officials in the area.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection cited “vetting concerns” as the reason for Artan’s denial of entry. In response to criticism regarding FIFA’s inability to facilitate Artan’s travel to the U.S., FIFA President Gianni Infantino advised skeptics to “chill and relax.”
Sources have informed ESPN that it would be “impractical” for Artan to relocate to other World Cup host nations like Mexico or Canada, given that match officials need to be in Miami for training and briefings.
Despite ongoing controversies surrounding Artan’s exclusion, UEFA has appointed him to oversee the Super Cup, which is the annual pre-season match between the Champions League and Europa League champions, set to take place in Salzburg, Austria.
A UEFA statement confirmed, “Following consultations with the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), UEFA has appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, scheduled for August 12 in Salzburg, where UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain will face UEFA Europa League winners Aston Villa FC.
“Despite his youth, Artan has distinguished himself as one of the leading referees globally and has been on the FIFA international list since 2018. His notable officiating includes the second leg of the 2025-26 CAF Champions League final. In recognition of his performance, he received the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year Award for 2025.
“This appointment aligns with the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UEFA and CAF aimed at fostering collaboration in various areas, including officiating.
“UEFA and CAF share a commitment to advancing football at all levels and upholding values of unity, equality, and non-discrimination.”
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin praised Artan, stating, “Omar Artan is a talented and experienced young referee who has excelled at the highest levels within the Confederation of African Football.
“Football connects people, and UEFA aims to honor Omar for his remarkable officiating abilities, which have earned him this prestigious assignment. I extend my gratitude to CAF President Patrice Motsepe for his strong support of this initiative.”
With this appointment, Artan will become the first African referee to oversee a major UEFA final.
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“Omar Artan has made Somalia and the entire African continent immensely proud,” stated Dr. Patrice Motsepe, President of CAF.
“His recognition as the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year for 2025 and his appointment to officiate at the FIFA World Cup in 2026 highlight his exceptional refereeing skills and the international esteem he commands.
“This is a significant honor for Omar Artan and African referees as a whole, demonstrating how football can unite people across Africa, Europe, and the world.”
In defense of the decision to deny Artan entry, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated, “Our policies are clear; we will not permit individuals with potential criminal ties into the country. I won’t elaborate on the reasons for this individual’s denial of entry, but there is justification for the action taken. The media may portray this as an anti-Somalia act, but that’s not the case.
“We maintain close relationships with FIFA and engage with their officials regularly. For anyone denied entry, we present our case and justification for the denial.”