Omar Artan to Referee 2026 UEFA Super Cup After World Cup Visa Denial

Somali referee Omar Artan will oversee the 2026 UEFA Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa. This appointment follows a controversial moment when he was barred from officiating at the World Cup due to visa issues.

Background on Omar Artan

Artan, 34, is the first Somali official to referee a CAF Champions League final and earned the African federation's men's referee of the year award in 2025. He also became the first Somali referee selected for the 2026 World Cup, marking significant milestones for his country.

Visa Denial at the 2026 World Cup

Despite being chosen to referee at the World Cup, Artan was denied entry into the United States, where FIFA based its officials. He arrived in Miami on June 8 with all proper documentation, including a valid visa, but after extra screening, U.S. authorities refused him entry citing "vetting concerns." Somalia remains on a travel ban list established by the Trump administration.

A FIFA spokesperson said:

“FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States. FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present. In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”

UEFA's Support and Appointment

Just three days after Artan was turned away from the U.S., UEFA announced he would referee the Super Cup final held in Salzburg, Austria. This move came after a memorandum of understanding signed in April between UEFA and CAF to promote cooperation, especially in refereeing.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said:

“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. I am grateful to my friend CAF president Patrice Motsepe for supporting our initiative enthusiastically.”

Artan's Reaction

Speaking to UEFA.com, Artan expressed gratitude for the support he received worldwide. He reflected on the disappointment of missing the World Cup but welcomed the opportunity to officiate the Super Cup.

“A lot of people have sympathy for me, because when someone has been working a lot of years and is supposed to do something, and then can’t do it, it’s very challenging. I really appreciate the support I received throughout the world, though; I’m so grateful. When we got this call, it was, for me and my family, really a very, very happy moment. There’s a big Somali community in Europe and in Austria, and they are over the moon with me officiating a match like this. I have worked very hard to be here and I’m really proud. As you can imagine, I grew up in a difficult situation, but it didn’t prevent me from pursuing my dreams.”