Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been appointed to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, just days after reports emerged that he was unable to participate in the FIFA World Cup finals after being denied entry into the United States by immigration officials.
Artan was reportedly turned away at Miami International Airport on Monday, June 8, despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single-entry U.S. visa. The incident prevented what was expected to be a historic milestone, as he was tipped to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals.
However, European football’s governing body, UEFA, has now moved to recognise his profile and achievements by handing him one of its most prestigious appointments.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, June 11, UEFA confirmed that Artan will take charge of the 2026 UEFA Super Cup.
“Referee announced for 2026 #SuperCup! We’re pleased to share that Somali referee Omar Artan will officiate the highly anticipated match between PSG and Aston Villa in Salzburg,” the post stated.
The match will see French champions Paris Saint-Germain face Europa League winners Aston Villa in the traditional curtain-raising fixture of the European football season.
The 2026 UEFA Super Cup is scheduled to take place on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria.
