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

What Happened

Somali referee Omar Artan, aged 34, is scheduled to officiate the UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Aston Villa on Wednesday. This appointment follows his earlier exclusion from officiating at the World Cup after being denied entry to the United States. Artan was refused entry at Miami International Airport in June. UEFA awarded him the Super Cup assignment shortly after his World Cup exclusion.

Artan is set to become the first non-European official to take charge of UEFA's annual competition, which features the winners of the Champions League and Europa League. He will be assisted by two other African officials: Liban Abdoulrazack Ahmed from Djibouti and Stephen Eleazar Onyango Yiembe from Kenya.

Background

Artan's exclusion from the World Cup stemmed from allegations that he was "associated with suspected members of terrorist organisations," making him ineligible for admission to the United States, according to a US Department of State official. These allegations were rejected by Artan. FIFA President Gianni Infantino commented on the situation at the time, stating that FIFA did not control everything. The US had previously introduced a travel ban list that includes Somalia among other countries. Artan was previously the first Somali to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024.

Artan expressed his gratitude for the Super Cup opportunity, calling it a "very, very happy moment" for him and his family. He acknowledged the support he received globally and described the period of exclusion as "very tough." He has been preparing for the Super Cup match by officiating league games in Somalia and the Kuwaiti Premier League.

Key Facts

• Somali referee Omar Artan, 34, will officiate the UEFA Super Cup between PSG and Aston Villa on Wednesday.
• Artan was denied entry to the United States in June, preventing him from officiating at the World Cup.
• A US Department of State official cited alleged association with suspected members of terrorist organisations as the reason for denial.
• Artan rejected these allegations.
• FIFA President Gianni Infantino commented that FIFA did not control all aspects of such decisions.
• UEFA awarded Artan the Super Cup match after his exclusion from the World Cup.
• Artan will be the first non-European official to referee UEFA's annual competition between the Champions League and Europa League winners.
• Artan was the first Somali to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024.
• He will be assisted by Liban Abdoulrazack Ahmed (Djibouti) and Stephen Eleazar Onyango Yiembe (Kenya).