Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been appointed by UEFA to officiate the 2026 Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, weeks after he was denied entry into the United States and consequently missed the FIFA World Cup.
Gatekeepers News reports that Artan had been on course to make history as the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup before his exclusion from the tournament due to entry restrictions.
His absence from the competition drew widespread reactions across the football community, with many expressing disappointment over the development.
In what is being seen as a strong vote of confidence, UEFA has now handed the highly regarded official one of the most prestigious assignments in European football by naming him referee for the Super Cup showdown between Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and Europa League champions Aston Villa.
The appointment has been widely interpreted as recognition of Artan’s professionalism and officiating ability despite the setback that prevented him from appearing at the World Cup.
Football stakeholders have praised the decision, describing it as further evidence of the Somali referee’s growing stature on the international stage.
Artan has built a strong reputation in recent years through his performances in major continental and international fixtures, earning plaudits for his consistency and composure in high-pressure matches.
His selection for the Super Cup final further reinforces his standing among Africa’s top football referees and provides another milestone in his rapidly rising career.
The Super Cup final is expected to attract a global audience, with Artan set to take centre stage in one of European football’s most prestigious annual fixtures.
