Somali referee to make European football history

Somali referee Omar Artan will make history in European football after being appointed as the referee for the UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.

Artan will become the first non-European referee to officiate a UEFA Super Cup match, marking a significant moment in his career, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

The 34-year-old had been selected to take part in the 2026 World Cup but was unable to attend the tournament after being denied entry to the United States. Artan had a valid visa but was stopped by U.S. authorities over reasons related to immigration restrictions and national security.

Now, just weeks after what he described as a very difficult period, the Somali referee will have the opportunity to officiate one of the most prestigious matches in European football.

The Super Cup will be played on Wednesday at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, where Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain will face Europa League winners Aston Villa.

Artan’s appointment is also the result of a new cooperation agreement between UEFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), opening the door for an African referee to officiate a match at this level.

Artan is one of Africa’s most highly regarded referees. He became the first referee from Somalia to officiate a CAF Champions League final and was named CAF’s Referee of the Year in 2025.

“Never stop dreaming,” Artan’s message to young referees reads, as he prepares for one of the biggest challenges of his career.

He will be joined by assistant referees from Djibouti and Kenya, Liban Abdoulrazack Ahmed and Stephen Eleazar Onyango Yiembe.

Photo: Instagram/ omar_artan