The Story of Omar Artan: Denied Entry into the United States, Now Appointed to Lead the 2026 European Super Cup.

Somali referee Omar Artan has been appointed to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, on Thursday 13 August 2026. This appointment presents a major opportunity for Artan to write a new chapter in the history of African football.

Artan becomes the first non-European referee ever to lead a UEFA Super Cup fixture. This opportunity also marks a turning point, after he was previously unable to carry out his duties at the 2026 FIFA World Cup when he was denied entry into the United States despite holding a valid official visa.

UEFA confirmed that Artan's appointment forms part of the cooperation agreement with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

This partnership, signed earlier this year, was established to strengthen relations between the two confederations, including through exchange programmes and match official appointments.

Artan will oversee the fixture between Champions League title holders PSG and Europa League champions Aston Villa.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe described this appointment as a significant milestone for both Artan and the entire African refereeing community.

"This is a great honour for Omar Artan, and for all African referees," Motsepe stated in an official release published on UEFA's website.

From Somalia to the European Stage

Artan has been listed on the FIFA international referee register since 2018. He became the first Somali official to referee a CAF Champions League final, before later being awarded CAF Male Referee of the Year.

In 2024, Artan made history once again as the first Somali referee selected to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations.

However, his journey to the UEFA Super Cup was not without obstacles.

The 34-year-old official had originally been selected as one of the designated referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted in the United States.

He was ultimately barred from fulfilling this role after US Customs and Border Protection refused him entry, despite him holding a valid authorised visa.

"That was an incredibly difficult period. So many people showed me sympathy, because when you have spent years working towards something you are meant to do, only to have that taken away, it is extremely challenging," Artan told UEFA.

A United States government official stated Artan was refused entry over alleged links to "suspected members of terrorist organisations".

The strict immigration policies implemented under President Donald Trump also faced widespread criticism throughout the 2026 World Cup. Prior to the tournament, the United States had enforced travel restrictions affecting citizens from 12 countries, including Somalia.

Artan has framed his career journey as a message for young referees, urging them to keep pursuing their dreams regardless of the obstacles they face.

"I believe that if I can succeed, anyone can. Never stop dreaming," he concluded.