UEFA Assigns Somali Referee Omar Artan to Super Cup After Recent World Cup Snub

Addis Ababa, June 11, 2026 (FMC) – UEFA has assigned Somali international referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan to officiate the UEFA Super Cup final, marking a significant career milestone following his recent exclusion from the 2026 FIFA World Cup officiating list.

Artan, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most promising referees on the international stage, will take charge of the high-profile fixture between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa scheduled for August 12 in Salzburg, Austria.

The appointment comes in the wake of his omission from the FIFA World Cup refereeing panel, a decision linked to administrative and immigration-related clearance issues that prevented his participation in the tournament despite earlier selection.

UEFA’s decision to entrust Artan with the Super Cup is seen as a strong vote of confidence in his officiating credentials. The assignment places him among an elite group of referees selected for one of European football’s most prestigious annual fixtures.

Artan has built a solid reputation through consistent performances in CAF competitions, including the CAF Champions League and Africa Cup of Nations, where he has been praised for his composure, positioning, and match control under pressure.

Football observers view his latest appointment as both a professional redemption and an affirmation of his standing in global refereeing circles, reinforcing the growing visibility of Somali officials in international football.

The UEFA Super Cup assignment is expected to further elevate Artan’s profile ahead of upcoming continental and international competitions.