Somalia official Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been selected to referee at next month’s UEFA Super Cup, just weeks after their planned participation in the FIFA World Cup was derailed due to travel issues. The 34-year-old was originally included in FIFA’s list of match officials for the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19. But he was unable to attend after being refused entry In the United States despite having a valid visa.

UEFA announced on Thursday that Arton’s appointment follows consultation with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and is part of a wider cooperation agreement recently established between the two organisations. Arton will take charge of the Super Cup clash in Hamburg on August 12, where UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain face Europa League champions Aston Villa.

“UEFA has today appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, which will take place on 12 August in Hamburg between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA Europa League winners Aston Villa FC.”

“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. Among the most notable matches he officiated is the second leg of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League Final. In recognition of his performances, he received the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year Award 2025,” the UEFA statement said.

UEFA president Aleksandar Ceferin said he wanted to show his respect for Artan after the latest fiasco and praised him as an excellent referee.

“Omar Artan is an outstanding young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football. Football is designed to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect for Omar and his excellent officiating skills, which earned him such a prestigious nomination. I am grateful to my friend CAF President Patrice Motsepe for enthusiastically supporting our initiative,” Ceferin said.

Ayrton received a hero’s welcome upon returning home

Somalia welcomed Artan as a hero He returned home from the United States after being denied entry to the World Cup. The 34-year-old player said he is hopeful of making it to the 2030 World Cup after the overwhelming welcome he received back home.

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