UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin was vocal in his support for Artan, emphasising the official’s quality over the recent border issues. “Omar Artan is an excellent young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football,” Ceferin stated. “Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which had earned him such a prestigious nomination.”
The move is seen as a direct show of solidarity from European football’s governing body. Ceferin added, “I am grateful to my friend CAF President Patrice Motsepe for supporting enthusiastically our initiative.” The appointment is part of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between UEFA and CAF to encourage cooperation in many areas, including refereeing.
