Somali Referee Artan Set to Officiate UEFA Super Cup After World Cup Exclusion

The European football governing body, UEFA, has appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, scheduled for Wednesday.

Artan's appointment comes weeks after he was barred from participating in the World Cup, having been denied entry to the United States upon his arrival at Miami International Airport, despite being selected among the referees for the tournament by FIFA.

Arta stated in comments published on UEFA's official website: "It has been an extremely difficult period. When someone works for many years and is supposed to achieve something, but then cannot do so, it is very tough."

A US State Department official claimed in statements to AFP that the ban is "linked to individuals suspected of belonging to terrorist organizations," which resulted in the individual being denied entry into the United States. Artan rejected these accusations.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage in Somalia, where the referee was given a warm reception upon his return to the country. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his regret over the situation, emphasizing that the international federation "does not control everything."

In a landmark decision, UEFA has granted Artan a historic opportunity by assigning him to officiate the UEFA Super Cup, which will see Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain face off against Europa League champions Aston Villa.

The Somali referee stated: "I was lucky, but I worked hard to get here, and I am very proud," adding that his selection to officiate the match was a great source of joy for him and his family.

Artan is the first Somali referee to officiate a match in the Africa Cup of Nations, having participated in the 2024 edition. He is now preparing to lead his first match in European competitions.

UEFA has clarified that its choice comes as part of the cooperation agreement signed with the African Football Confederation (CAF) at the end of April, aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two continents in the fields of football and refereeing.