Omar Artan to officiate UEFA Super Cup after being barred from entering USA for World Cup

Omar Artan was set to become the first referee from Somalia to take charge at a World Cup after being named Africa's top male referee in 2025. However, following a long interrogation at Miami International Airport, US Customs and Border Protection denied him entry to the country, despite him holding a diplomatic passport.

Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House Task Force on the World Cup, defended the decision this week, stating:

"Up to now, 35 teams have entered the United States. Not a single player or coach has been denied entry.

"Some officials have been denied, and with good reason."

The decision attracted widespread criticism, and when Artan returned to Somalia, he received a hero's welcome upon landing in Mogadishu.

Now, as he deals with missing the World Cup, UEFA has announced that Artan will officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup between Europa League winners Aston Villa and Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.

UEFA president Alexander Ceferin commented on the decision, which has been enthusiastically welcomed by fans.

"Omar Artan is an excellent referee, young but already experienced, who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football.

"Football is meant to bring people together, and UEFA wants to show its respect for Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which earned him such a prestigious nomination. I am grateful to my friend CAF President Patrice Motsepe for wholeheartedly supporting our initiative."