After being controversially denied entry to the US for the World Cup, Somalia's star referee Omar Artan has been appointed to officiate August's blockbuster UEFA Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa. Read how UEFA and CAF stepped in. Photo: Backpagepix
Somalian referee Omar Artan has been appointed to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg on August 12, UEFA announced on Thursday afternoon, following his recent withdrawal from the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
Artan was denied entry into the United States at the Miami Airport and, consequently, will not officiate at the World Cup due to reported “safety concerns.”
This incident drew sharp criticism toward Fifa for failing to intervene and ensure the 34-year-old – who was ranked as the best referee in African football in 2025 – could realise his childhood dream.
Fifa received further criticism after President Gianni Infantino said the organisation decided to “chill” and “relax” over the matter instead of “screaming and shouting,” suggesting that such an approach could worsen the situation since visa concerns regarding entry and exit to the US are out of Fifa’s hands.
