Omar Artan to Referee 2026 UEFA Super Cup Final After World Cup Visa Denial
The upcoming UEFA Super Cup will see Somali referee Omar Artan officiate the match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa. This appointment follows a controversial situation where Artan was barred from refereeing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
First Non-European to Officiate the UEFA Super Cup
At 34 years old, Omar Artan is set to become the first non-European referee to take charge of the UEFA Super Cup. He made history earlier by becoming the first Somali to oversee the CAF Champions League final and won the African federation's men's referee of the year award in 2025. His selection for the World Cup also marked a milestone for Somali officials.
Denied Entry to the United States During World Cup
Artan arrived in Miami on June 8, where FIFA had based its World Cup match officials. Despite holding a valid visa and all necessary documents, he was denied entry due to "vetting concerns" after additional screening by U.S. authorities. Somalia remains on a travel ban list established during the Trump administration, which affected his admittance.
“FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” said a FIFA spokesperson.
FIFA clarified it has no role in visa decisions or immigration processes, which are governed by the host country.
UEFA's Gesture and Support
Just three days after being refused entry to the U.S., UEFA announced Artan would referee the Super Cup. This decision came following a cooperation agreement signed in April between UEFA and CAF to foster collaboration, including in refereeing.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin stated, “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 expressed gratitude towards CAF president Patrice Motsepe for supporting this initiative.
Artan’s Reaction to the Appointment
Speaking to UEFA.com, Artan shared his feelings about the situation. He acknowledged the challenge of missing the World Cup after years of hard work but appreciated the worldwide support he received.
“When we got this call, it was, for me and my family, really a very, very happy moment. There’s a big Somali community in Europe and in Austria, and they are over the moon with me officiating a match like this,” he said.
He reflected on his difficult upbringing and expressed pride in achieving this milestone despite the challenges.
