Somali Referee Omar Artan Earns Historic UEFA Super Cup Appointment

Somali referee Omar Artan has received one of the biggest appointments of his career after UEFA confirmed that he will officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.

The prestigious encounter is scheduled for August 12 in Salzburg and will pit UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain against UEFA Europa League champions Aston Villa.

UEFA announced Artan's appointment following consultations with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), highlighting the growing cooperation between the two governing bodies through a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening football development and refereeing standards.

Despite his relatively young age, Artan has rapidly risen through the ranks to become one of Africa's most respected match officials. A FIFA-listed referee since 2018, he has earned widespread recognition for his consistent performances in major continental competitions.

Among the most significant matches on his resume is the second leg of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League final, a performance that further enhanced his reputation on the international stage. His outstanding displays throughout the year also earned him the CAF Men's Referee of the Year Award in 2025.

The appointment comes after Artan was originally selected among the match officials for the FIFA World Cup 2026. However, he was unable to participate in the tournament after not being granted entry into the United States.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin praised the Somali official and described the appointment as a recognition of his talent and professionalism.

"Omar Artan is an excellent young but already experienced referee who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football," said Ceferin.

"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."

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe also welcomed the decision, describing it as a proud moment for Somalia and the African continent.

"Omar Artan has made Somalia and the entire people of the African continent extremely proud," Motsepe said.

"His receipt of the CAF Men's Referee of the Year Award 2025 and his appointment as a referee of the FIFA World Cup 2026 are recognition of his world-class refereeing ability and the international respect that he enjoys."

Motsepe added that Artan's selection for the UEFA Super Cup demonstrates how football can unite people across continents while creating new opportunities for African officials to showcase their abilities on the global stage.

The appointment represents a historic achievement for Somali football and a significant milestone for African refereeing. Artan will now have the opportunity to oversee one of Europe's most prestigious annual fixtures, further cementing his status among the world's elite match officials.

His selection is also expected to inspire a new generation of referees across Africa, proving that excellence and dedication can open doors to the highest levels of international football.