Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States to officiate at the World Cup, has been appointed to take charge of the Uefa Super Cup.
The match pits Champions League winners Paris St-Germain against Aston Villa, who lifted the Europa League. It is scheduled for 12 August in Salzburg.
Uefa said the decision followed discussions with the Confederation of African Football. The governing body framed the appointment as a gesture of respect towards Artan and his work.
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin was warm in his praise.
“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,” he said.
He went on to stress the sport’s unifying role. “Football is made to connect people, and Uefa wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which had earned him such a prestigious nomination,” Ceferin added. “I am grateful to my friend Caf president Patrice Motsepe for supporting enthusiastically our initiative.”
Artan’s credentials are considerable. He was named Caf’s men’s referee of the year for 2025 and has been on Fifa’s international list since 2018. He had been set to become the first Somali to referee at a World Cup finals.
That opportunity was lost in controversial circumstances. Artan was turned away by border officials in Miami, despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single-entry US visa.
A US government official said on Wednesday that Artan was refused entry over an alleged “association with suspected members of terror organisations.
” Somalia is among several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump. After speaking with US authorities, Fifa confirmed Artan would miss the tournament.
Somali referee Omar Artan, refused entry to the US to officiate at the World Cup, has been appointed to take charge of the Uefa Super Cup between PSG and Aston Villa.
Read more – First Steps on the Grand Stage: The Inspiring Rise of the Debutants
Also see – The Diaspora Advantage: How Cape Verde Built a World Class Roster from 14 Countries
Follow Footy Times on Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
Discover more from Footy Times
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
