Barred from the World Cup, Somali referee Artan earns Uefa Super Cup appointment

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, the Somali referee barred from entering the United States for the World Cup, has been appointed by Uefa to officiate the Super Cup between Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and Europa League holders Aston Villa on 12 August.

Artan was denied entry to the US on the grounds of alleged links to “suspected members of terror organisations”, which American authorities deemed a “national security threat”. The official, who insists he held “the correct visa”, described the refusal as the destruction of “the biggest dream of my life”.

Named Africa’s Referee of the Year in 2025 and on Fifa’s international list since 2018, Artan returned to Somalia to a hero’s welcome before Uefa moved swiftly to offer him one of European football’s most prominent officiating assignments. In a statement, Uefa cited his appointment as an expression of its “core values of unity, equality and non-discrimination”.

“Despite his young age, Artan has established himself as one of the world’s top referees,” Uefa said. “Among the most notable matches he has officiated is the second leg of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League final. Artan had been included by Fifa in the match officials’ list for the Fifa World Cup 2026 but could not participate as he was not allowed to enter the United States.”

Uefa president Aleksandr Ceferin added: “Omar Artan is an excellent young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football. Football is made to connect people, and Uefa wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills.”

Artan’s case has become one of the most prominent flashpoints in a broader controversy surrounding visa refusals ahead of the tournament. Iran also saw several “integral” members of their backroom staff denied entry alongside the rest of the squad.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino drew widespread criticism when he responded to mounting concerns by telling observers to “chill, relax” at a pre-tournament press conference. By appointing Artan to such a high-profile fixture, Ceferin has amplified pressure on his Fifa counterpart at a moment when the two governing bodies are already frequently at odds.