I’m Really Proud, Says Somali Referee Artan Ahead of UEFA Super Cup
Somali referee Omar Artan says he is “really proud” to have been appointed to officiate Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, after missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup following his refusal of entry into the United States.
The 34-year-old was among the referees selected by FIFA for the World Cup but was denied entry after arriving at Miami International Airport shortly before the tournament began.
Reflecting on the incident in an interview published by UEFA, Artan described the experience as a difficult period in his career.
“It was a very tough period. A lot of people have sympathy for me because when someone has been working for many years and is supposed to do something, and then can’t do it, it is very challenging,” he said.
A US State Department official had told AFP that Artan was “associated with suspected members of terrorist organisations,” making him ineligible to enter the country.
The referee rejected the allegation, while his treatment sparked outrage in Somalia, where he was welcomed as a hero upon his return.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also expressed sympathy for the referee at the time, saying it was unfortunate that Artan had been prevented from taking part in the tournament.
UEFA subsequently announced that Artan would take charge of the Super Cup clash between Champions League winners PSG and Europa League winners Aston Villa.
Artan, who became the first Somali referee to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024, will now referee his first competitive match in Europe.
“I was lucky, but I have worked very hard to be here and I’m really proud,” he said.
“As you can imagine, I grew up in a difficult situation, but it didn’t prevent me from pursuing my dreams.”
He added that his appointment had brought immense joy to his family.
“When we got this call, it was, for me and my family, really a very, very happy moment.”
UEFA said the appointment was partly linked to its cooperation agreement with the Confederation of African Football, signed in April to strengthen collaboration between the two continental football bodies.
However, the appointment also comes amid growing tensions between UEFA and FIFA President Infantino over football governance and the abandoned proposal to open up the World Cup to private investors.
UEFA has been at the forefront of opposition to the plan and has reportedly threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, including future World Cups, as pressure mounts on Infantino to step down.
The 34-year-old was among the referees selected by FIFA for the World Cup but was denied entry after arriving at Miami International Airport shortly before the tournament began.
Reflecting on the incident in an interview published by UEFA, Artan described the experience as a difficult period in his career.
“It was a very tough period. A lot of people have sympathy for me because when someone has been working for many years and is supposed to do something, and then can’t do it, it is very challenging,” he said.
A US State Department official had told AFP that Artan was “associated with suspected members of terrorist organisations,” making him ineligible to enter the country.
The referee rejected the allegation, while his treatment sparked outrage in Somalia, where he was welcomed as a hero upon his return.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also expressed sympathy for the referee at the time, saying it was unfortunate that Artan had been prevented from taking part in the tournament.
UEFA subsequently announced that Artan would take charge of the Super Cup clash between Champions League winners PSG and Europa League winners Aston Villa.
Artan, who became the first Somali referee to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024, will now referee his first competitive match in Europe.
“I was lucky, but I have worked very hard to be here and I’m really proud,” he said.
“As you can imagine, I grew up in a difficult situation, but it didn’t prevent me from pursuing my dreams.”
He added that his appointment had brought immense joy to his family.
“When we got this call, it was, for me and my family, really a very, very happy moment.”
UEFA said the appointment was partly linked to its cooperation agreement with the Confederation of African Football, signed in April to strengthen collaboration between the two continental football bodies.
However, the appointment also comes amid growing tensions between UEFA and FIFA President Infantino over football governance and the abandoned proposal to open up the World Cup to private investors.
UEFA has been at the forefront of opposition to the plan and has reportedly threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, including future World Cups, as pressure mounts on Infantino to step down.
