Omar Artan to Referee 2026 UEFA Super Cup After World Cup Visa Denial
Somali referee Omar Artan has been chosen to officiate the UEFA Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa. This appointment comes after he was controversially denied the chance to referee at the 2026 World Cup due to visa issues.
Breaking New Ground in European Football
At 34 years old, Artan will be the first non-European referee to oversee the UEFA Super Cup. His career includes being the first Somali to referee the CAF Champions League final and receiving the African federation's men's referee of the year award in 2025. He was also set to make history as the first Somali official at a FIFA World Cup.
Denied Entry to the United States
Artan arrived in Miami on June 8 with proper documentation, including a valid visa. Despite this, U.S. authorities subjected him to extra screening and ultimately refused his entry due to "vetting concerns." Somalia remains on a travel ban list implemented during Donald Trump's presidency, which affected Artan's ability to participate in the World Cup.
“FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” a FIFA spokesperson stated. “FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present.”
UEFA Steps In with Support
Just three days after his World Cup exclusion, UEFA announced Artan would referee the Super Cup match. This decision aligns with a recent agreement between UEFA and CAF to foster cooperation in refereeing among other areas.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said, "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. I am grateful to my friend CAF president Patrice Motsepe for supporting our initiative enthusiastically."
Artan Reflects on His Journey
Speaking to UEFA.com, Artan expressed mixed emotions about his experiences: "A lot of people have sympathy for me, because when someone has been working a lot of years and is supposed to do something, and then can’t do it, it’s very challenging. I really appreciate the support I received throughout the world, though; I’m so grateful."
He added, "When we got this call, it was, for me and my family, really a very, very happy moment. There’s a big Somali community in Europe and in Austria, and they are over the moon with me officiating a match like this. I have worked very hard to be here and I’m really proud. As you can imagine, I grew up in a difficult situation, but it didn’t prevent me from pursuing my dreams."
