Online Reporter
NYON. – UEFA have announced that referee Omar Artan will officiate the 2026 Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria.
The move comes after Artan was denied entry into the United States for the World Cup because of links to “suspected members of terror organisations”.
He was set to become Somalia’s first referee at a World Cup after making FIFA’s final list for the tournament.
The 34-year-old was also named as Africa’s best male referee in 2025.
He was given a hero’s welcome upon his return to his home country’s capital, Mogadishu.
Artan told fans at the airport: “What happened has happened and it was unfortunate. I am grateful for the support FIFA gave me.
“Somalia is ours, whether things are good or bad. I want to tell our youth not to lose hope in our country. I am now in my country, and there is no other place I want to be.
“I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one. I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident.”
Following that news, which prompted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to urge critics to “chill” regarding the US immigration issues for fans, players and officials alike, UEFA have appointed Artan to whistle the Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on August 12. – The Sun
