The 2026 UEFA Super Cup will feature a fascinating subplot away from the pitch as Somali referee Omar Artan prepares to take charge of the blockbuster clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.
The 34-year-old official has enjoyed a remarkable rise through African football, but his biggest moment comes after a hugely disappointing setback at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After being denied entry to the United States despite being selected for the tournament, Artan has now been handed a historic opportunity by UEFA.
On August 12, he will become the first non-European referee to officiate the UEFA Super Cup, overseeing the meeting between Champions League winners PSG and Europa League winners Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria.
Who is Omar Artan?
Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, on June 6, 1992, Omar Abdulkadir Artan began his refereeing career in the Somali domestic leagues before progressing onto the international stage.
Artan has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2018, establishing himself as one of Africa's leading match officials. He became the first Somali referee to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations when he took charge of Tunisia vs Namibia at AFCON 2024.
His rapid rise continued at club level. Artan became the first Somali referee to take charge of a continental final, officiating the 2024–25 CAF Champions League final between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns. He was also named CAF Men's Referee of the Year in 2025, underlining his growing reputation.
What happened to Omar Artan at the 2026 World Cup?
Artan's selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was supposed to be another landmark moment. He was the first Somali referee selected for a FIFA World Cup, giving him the opportunity to represent his country at football's biggest tournament.
However, his World Cup dream ended before he could officiate a match.
Artan was denied entry to the United States at Miami International Airport on June 6, despite holding a valid visa. As a result, he was unable to participate in the tournament. Somalia was among the countries affected by US travel restrictions introduced under President Donald Trump's administration.
A US administration official said Artan was denied entry because of alleged links to “suspected members of terror organisations". Artan himself described the experience as a “very tough period”, explaining that missing an opportunity he had worked toward for years was extremely challenging.
The incident generated considerable attention, particularly because Artan had already made history simply by becoming the first Somali referee selected for a World Cup. He subsequently returned to Somalia, where he received a hero's welcome.
Omar Artan's historic UEFA Super Cup appointment
Just days after his World Cup disappointment, Artan received another career-changing opportunity.
UEFA appointed him to referee the 2026 UEFA Super Cup between PSG and Aston Villa, following discussions with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The appointment forms part of increased cooperation between UEFA and CAF.
The match will be played at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg on August 12, with PSG entering as Champions League winners and Aston Villa as Europa League holders.
Artan's appointment is historic because he will become the first referee from outside Europe to officiate the UEFA Super Cup. He will also be joined by fellow African officials, with Djibouti's Liban Abdoulrazack Ahmed and Kenya's Stephen Eleazar Onyango Yiembe serving as assistant referees.
A chance to write a new chapter
For Artan, the PSG vs Aston Villa Super Cup represents much more than another prestigious assignment. It is an opportunity to respond to one of the most difficult moments of his career.
Despite missing the World Cup, he has continued preparing for the biggest match of his career by officiating games in Somalia and the Kuwaiti Premier League. He has also spoken about studying teams closely, analysing their tactics and understanding player behaviour before matches.
His journey from Somali domestic football to a UEFA showpiece is already extraordinary. Now, after the heartbreak of being unable to referee at the World Cup, Omar Artan has the chance to make history in Salzburg.
As he put it ahead of the Super Cup, his message to aspiring referees is simple: “Don't ever stop dreaming.”
