Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the US for the 2026 World Cup, will become the first non-European to oversee the UEFA Super Cup.
Key facts
- •Omar Artan was denied entry to the US on June 6 despite possessing a valid visa.
- •US Customs and Border Protection cited "vetting concerns" as the reason for the denial.
- •Artan is the first non-European referee appointed to oversee the UEFA Super Cup.
- •The match features Paris Saint-Germain against Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria.
- •Artan was named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025.
Somali referee Omar Artan is set to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria. This appointment follows a difficult period for the 34-year-old, who was denied entry to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup upon his arrival at Miami International Airport on June 6, despite holding a valid visa.
US entry denial and FIFA status
Upon his arrival in Miami, US Customs and Border Protection deemed Artan inadmissible due to unspecified "vetting concerns." FIFA subsequently confirmed that Artan would not be able to participate in the tournament, ending his opportunity to become the first Somali referee to serve at a World Cup.
Appointment to UEFA Super Cup
UEFA appointed Artan to the Super Cup five days after the incident in the US, following discussions with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This match marks Artan's first refereeing assignment in Europe. Artan, who joined FIFA’s international list in 2018, previously became the first Somali referee to officiate at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations and was named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025.
Timeline
- 2018Omar Artan joined FIFA’s international list of match officials.
- 2024Artan became the first Somali referee to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations.
- June 6Artan was denied entry to the US at Miami International Airport.
- 2025Artan was named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Anadolu Agency Sport.
