Somali Referee Denied World Cup Role to Officiate UEFA Super Cup

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been appointed to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, months after he was denied entry into the United States and missed the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Artan, 34, was among the referees selected by FIFA for the World Cup but was refused entry upon arriving at Miami International Airport shortly before the tournament began.

The decision attracted international attention after a US State Department official reportedly said Artan was considered ineligible for admission because of alleged associations with suspected members of terrorist organisations. The referee rejected the allegations.

Speaking about the experience, Artan described the period as extremely difficult, saying it was challenging to miss an opportunity he had worked for over many years.

Despite the setback, Artan received support in Somalia, where he was welcomed as a hero after returning home. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also described the situation as unfortunate.

UEFA later appointed Artan to officiate the Super Cup, a match between Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and Europa League winners Aston Villa.

Artan said he was proud of the opportunity and grateful for the chance to continue pursuing his dreams.

«“I have worked very hard to be here, and I’m really proud,” Artan said in an interview published by UEFA.»

He added that growing up in difficult circumstances did not stop him from pursuing his ambitions.

Artan made history in 2024 as the first Somali referee to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations. The UEFA Super Cup will now mark his first officiating assignment in European football.

The appointment also reflects growing cooperation between UEFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), following an agreement signed by the two organisations in April to strengthen collaboration.

For Artan, the appointment represents a remarkable comeback after the disappointment of missing the World Cup.

“When we got this call, it was, for me and my family, really a very, very happy moment,” he said.