Somali Referee Omar Artan to Officiate UEFA Super Cup After US World Cup Entry Denial

ANKARA — Somali international referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has spoken publicly for the first time about being denied entry to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the experience as a “very difficult time” as he prepares to make history as the first non-European referee to officiate the UEFA Super Cup.

Artan was appointed to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria. The appointment came just five days after he was denied entry to the United States on June 6, 2026, at Miami International Airport, despite holding a valid visa. U.S. Customs and Border Protection cited “concerns over verification of his information” without providing further details.

“It was a very difficult time,” Artan told UEFA.com. “Many people sympathized with me because when you have worked for many years and were needed to do something but were unable to do it, it is a very difficult situation.” Despite the disappointment, Artan expressed gratitude for the international support he received. FIFA has agreed to pay Artan his full World Cup officiating fee, even though he could not take charge of any matches at the tournament.

A Historic Achievement for African Refereeing

Artan, 34, will become the first non-European referee to officiate the UEFA Super Cup, marking a significant milestone for African refereeing. The announcement was made under a new cooperation agreement between CAF and UEFA signed this year, aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two confederations. CAF President Patrice Motsepe described the appointment as “a great honour for Omar Artan and for African referees.”

Artan’s journey to this point has been remarkable. He joined FIFA’s international refereeing list in 2018 and became the first Somali referee to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024. He was named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025, a source of pride for Somalia.

The UEFA Super Cup appointment came after discussions between UEFA and CAF, with UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin stating: “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.”

The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep regret over the US decision to deny Artan entry, describing him as a source of immense national pride.

Community Support and Inspiration

Artan noted that the news of his UEFA Super Cup appointment brought great joy to his family and the Somali community in Europe. “When we received this call, it was a very happy moment for me and my family,” he said. “There is a large Somali community in Europe and Austria, and they are very happy that I am officiating a match like this.”

Reflecting on his journey, Artan encouraged aspiring referees to persevere despite challenges. “I believe that if I can succeed, anyone can do the same. You can do anything you want. Never stop dreaming,” he said.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has recognised the importance of sports in national development, meeting with Artan and other sports figures to celebrate their achievements.

Critical Note

Omar Artan’s journey to the UEFA Super Cup is a testament to his skill, professionalism, and resilience in the face of adversity. However, the circumstances surrounding his denial of entry to the United States for the World Cup highlight the persistent challenges that African professionals face in accessing global platforms, when they have earned their place through merit. The diplomatic incident, which involved Artan being barred despite holding a valid visa and a diplomatic passport, raises questions about the fairness and consistency of international travel policies and the treatment of African officials.

While UEFA’s decision to appoint him to the Super Cup was a commendable gesture of solidarity, it does not erase the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup. Artan’s story is one of triumph over adversity, but it also underscores the need for greater equity and respect for African talent on the global stage. The Somali government and the wider football community should continue to advocate for the fair treatment of their officials and ensure that such incidents are not repeated.