Somali referee denied US visa for World Cup lands UEFA Super Cup 2026 assignment
By William Muthama, June 11, 2026Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied a US visa for the 2026 World Cup, has been quickly reassigned to officiate the prestigious UEFA Super Cup 2026 match between PSG and Aston Villa.
In an official announcement on Thursday, June 11, 2026, UEFA confirmed that the 34-year-old will take charge of the high-profile fixture scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria.
“We’re pleased to share that Somali referee Omar Artan will officiate the highly anticipated match between PSG and Aston Villa in Salzburg,” the statement read.
UEFA appointment confirmed
The appointment comes just days after Artan’s visa denial by US authorities in Miami, despite him holding a valid visa and diplomatic passport. The incident sparked debate within global football circles, with many stakeholders expressing concern over the decision.
US officials cited vetting concerns, with reports indicating the decision was linked to suspected associations or name similarities with individuals connected to terror organisations, leading to his immediate return to Somalia.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the situation as “unfortunate,” while sections of African football fans criticised what they view as recurring barriers faced by officials from the continent.
Africa’s best Referee
The 34-year-old’s US visa rejection drew widespread attention, especially given his rising profile in international officiating. The episode added to broader discussions around access and fairness in global football administration.
Artan was recently voted Africa’s Best Referee of 2025 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), in recognition of his consistent performances across the CAF Champions League and international fixtures.
The accolade also made him the first Somali referee selected for a FIFA World Cup, marking a historic milestone in his career.
The UEFA Super Cup clash will see French champions Paris Saint-Germain face English side Aston Villa in what is expected to be a competitive encounter between two top European clubs.
UEFA’s decision to hand Artan the assignment is being viewed as a strong endorsement of his credentials, turning a setback into a major career highlight and reinforcing recognition of refereeing talent beyond borders.