Somali football referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been handed one of the biggest assignments of his career after being appointed to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.
The appointment marks another historic achievement for the 34-year-old official, who continues to raise Somalia’s profile on the international football stage.
Artan will become the first Somali referee to take charge of the UEFA Super Cup, one of Europe’s most prestigious football matches.
The game will see UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain face UEFA Europa League champions Aston Villa on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria.
The appointment comes after a difficult period for Artan, who was selected by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but was unable to participate after being denied entry into the United States.
His exclusion attracted international attention, with FIFA confirming that he could not take part in the tournament.
Despite the setback, UEFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) recognised Artan’s ability and experience by allowing him to lead the European Super Cup.
The decision is linked to cooperation between UEFA and CAF aimed at promoting the development of refereeing and giving top African officials opportunities at the highest level.
Artan has built a strong reputation in African football. He became a FIFA-listed referee in 2018 and has handled important matches in CAF competitions, including the CAF Champions League.
In 2025, he was named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year after impressive performances that placed him among Africa’s leading match officials.
His rise has been seen as a major achievement for Somali football, a country that has faced many challenges in developing the sport because of years of instability.
Artan’s success has inspired young referees and players in Somalia, showing that officials from developing football nations can reach the highest levels of the game.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and CAF President Patrice Motsepe have both praised Artan’s qualities and achievements. His UEFA Super Cup appointment is now viewed as a major recognition of his professionalism and a significant moment for African refereeing.
For Somalia, Artan’s journey represents more than just a refereeing achievement. It is a symbol of progress, determination and the growing presence of African officials in world football.
