Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has been appointed to officiate the UEFA Super Cup. The match, scheduled for August 12 in Salzburg, will feature Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa. UEFA cited Artan's officiating skills and a cooperation agreement with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as reasons for his selection.
Artan, 34, was set to become the first Somali referee at a World Cup but was turned away at Miami International Airport despite holding a valid visa. U.S. authorities cited "vetting concerns" and alleged "association with suspected members of terror organizations" as reasons for his denial. Artan denied any ties to militant groups during questioning.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin praised Artan's experience and emphasized football's role in connecting people. The decision follows discussions with CAF, which highlighted Artan's achievements, including being named Africa's best male referee in 2025. The move has drawn attention to visa issues and controversies surrounding the World Cup, with some critics questioning the U.S.'s handling of the situation.