Omar Artan to Officiate UEFA Super Cup After World Cup Setback

Somali referee Omar Artan, previously awarded the title of Best Referee in Africa by the Confederation of African Football, has been appointed to officiate the upcoming UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.

Artan was initially included in FIFA’s list of referees considered for the 2026 World Cup, part of a selection strategy aimed at showcasing elite officials during the global event.

However, his participation in the tournament was cut short when he was denied a visa to enter the United States, leading to his removal from the final roster of referees for the World Cup despite being part of the preliminary nominations.

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) confirmed this decision, assigning Artan to oversee the highly anticipated clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, an event that has garnered significant attention in European football.

This appointment comes after Artan faced previous controversy regarding his exclusion from entering the U.S., despite being selected among World Cup referees. The reasons cited were reportedly linked to security protocols.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on Artan’s entry ban, stating that selection policies aim to permit only those deemed suitable for entry into the country.