Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States for the World Cup will now officiate the UEFA Super Cup.
Omar Artan was due to be the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup after being named Africa’s best male referee in 2025.
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However, after being denied entry to the country at Miami International Airport by Custom and Border Protection following a lengthy interrogation, he was denied entry to the US, despite holding a diplomatic passport.
Andrew Giulianithe executive director of the White House Task Force on the World Cup defended the decision this week, stating:
“To this point we’ve had 35 teams that have come into the United States. No players, no coaches have been denied.
“There have been some officials that have been denied, and for good reason.”
The decision was met by mass criticism and as Artan returned to Somalia, he received a hero’s welcome on arrival in Mogadishu.
Now, as he deals with missing out on the World Cup. UEFA have announced that Artan will officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup between Europa League winners Aston Villa and Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.
UEFA president Alexander Ceferin commented on the decision which has been welcomed with open arms by fans.
“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.
“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. I am grateful to my friend CAF President Patrice Motsepe for supporting enthusiastically our initiative.”
