Somali official, Omar Artan has been appointed to referee the 2026 UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Aston Villa, following his refusal of entry into the United States (US).
Artan had been on course to officiate at his first World Cup, but his journey was abruptly halted on arrival at Miami International Airport, where he was questioned for 11 hours, detained overnight and subsequently deported.
In a move described by officials as a gesture of solidarity, European football’s governing body, UEFA, alongside the Confederation of African Football (CAF), awarded the Somali referee one of the most high-profile fixtures on the continental calendar.
The Super Cup will be played in Salzburg on 12 August, with Artan taking charge of the clash between the French and English sides.
READ ALSO: Liverpool Appoint Andoni Iraola as Head Coach to Succeed Arne Slot
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin praised the referee’s credentials, describing him as "an excellent, young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level" of CAF.
Ceferin added that "football is made to connect people and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills."
CAF president, Patrice Motsepe said the appointment showed Artan’s impact beyond the pitch, adding that the official had "made Somalia and the entire people" of Africa extremely proud.
0 Comments