Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the United States to officiate the World Cup over visa concerns, has been appointed to officiate the UEFA Super Cup.
The 34-year-old will take charge of the match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria. UEFA announced the appointment on Thursday following talks with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
UEFA said in a statement that the appointment fits into a broader cooperation agreement between UEFA and CAF on referee exchanges, aimed at providing top African officials with high-level European opportunities.
“The decision to appoint Artan to officiate the UEFA Super Cup match has been made in the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding (‘MoU’) recently signed between UEFA and CAF to encourage cooperation in many areas, including refereeing. 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,” UEFA said.
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin described Artan as an “excellent young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football.”
Čeferin added, “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.”
UEFA’s decision is seen as recognition of Artan’s quality as a referee, after he was named Africa’s best male referee in 2025.
Paris Saint-Germain enter the Super Cup as back-to-back Champions League winners, while Aston Villa qualified as Europa League champions.
The Donald Trump administration’s active presidential travel ban places Somalia among 19 countries facing a complete suspension of entry for both immigrant and non-immigrant visas, after the US designated it as a terrorist safe haven. The US also cites concerns over inadequate identity-verification systems and the weak domestic security protocols of Somalia.
Speaking at a press conference in Mexico City on Wednesday, June 10, FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized that immigration matters ultimately rest with the authorities of the host nations—the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Infantino urged stakeholders to “chill” and “relax,” arguing that “screaming and shouting does not find a solution.”
Infantino acknowledged ongoing difficulties but stressed FIFA’s behind-the-scenes efforts. “We always try to find solutions,” he said, while reminding listeners that “we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces. We are a sports organization.”
