Somali referee Omar Artan has been handed one of the most prestigious appointments in world football just days after being denied entry into the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• The decision comes days after Artan was denied entry into the United States for World Cup duties.
• The appointment will make him the first African referee to officiate a major UEFA final.
• UEFA and CAF described the move as a symbol of football’s commitment to unity and inclusion.
European football governing body UEFA announced on Friday that the 34-year-old will officiate the UEFA Super Cup clash between Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and Europa League champions Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, on August 12.
