Somali Referee Omar Artan Turns World Cup Setback into Historic UEFA Super Cup Milestone

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2026 (FMC) — Somali referee Omar Artan has urged aspiring officials around the world to “never stop dreaming” as he prepares to make history by officiating the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old will become the first non-European referee to take charge of the UEFA Super Cup, marking another landmark in a rapidly rising international refereeing career. The match will also be Artan’s first refereeing assignment in Europe.

Artan’s appointment comes only months after he was selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but was unable to enter the United States and therefore missed the tournament. Reflecting on the experience, he described the period as very difficult, while expressing gratitude for the support he received from people around the world.

“It was a very tough period,” Artan said, noting that it was challenging to miss an opportunity for which he had worked for years. He added that the sympathy and encouragement he received globally had meant a great deal to him.

Yet the setback has come amid one of the most remarkable periods of his career.

Over the past 18 months, Artan became the first Somali referee to officiate a CAF Champions League final, was named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year for 2025, and earned selection for the 2026 World Cup. He had earlier joined FIFA’s international list of referees in 2018 and became the first Somali official to referee at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024.

His rise has been shaped by difficult circumstances. Artan said he grew up in a challenging situation after losing his father at a young age and being raised apart from his mother. He began refereeing after a minor playing injury changed the direction of his football ambitions, progressing from neighbourhood matches and school games to the Somali league.

“I was lucky, but I have worked very hard to be here and I’m really proud,” he said, adding that his difficult upbringing did not prevent him from pursuing his dreams.

Artan said his appointment to the UEFA Super Cup was a particularly joyful moment for him and his family, with the Somali community in Europe and Austria also celebrating the historic opportunity.

He described the assignment as an honour and welcomed the growing cooperation between the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and UEFA, saying referees from both confederations could learn from one another. His appointment was made under a memorandum of understanding signed by UEFA and CAF in April to strengthen cooperation in several areas, including refereeing.

“This will be my first match in Europe,” Artan said, describing the opportunity as a chance to have new adventures, make memories and learn.

He has been preparing by officiating league matches in Somalia and also took charge of the Kuwaiti Premier League title decider in June. Ahead of Wednesday’s match, he said he has been studying Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa closely, researching their playing styles, tactics, behaviours and other characteristics.

For Artan, however, the significance of the occasion extends beyond his own career.

“I believe that if I can succeed, anyone can,” he said, encouraging aspiring referees to pursue their ambitions regardless of obstacles.

“Don’t ever stop dreaming,” he urged, calling on those who want to become referees to pursue their goals, continue learning and refining their skills, and remain fair and consistent.

The UEFA Super Cup will bring together UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA Europa League winners Aston Villa at Salzburg’s Red Bull Arena on August 12.