Somali Referee Omar Artan Assigned UEFA Super Cup Final

Omar Artan, a Somali referee, has been assigned to officiate the UEFA Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain, the UEFA Champions League winner, and Aston Villa FC, the UEFA Europa League champion, scheduled for August 12. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin praised Artan's outstanding officiating skills, which warranted this prestigious assignment.

Artan, already an experienced referee, was among 52 referees selected by FIFA for the 2026 World Cup. However, upon arriving at Miami International Airport, U.S. authorities denied him entry, reportedly due to suspicions of being associated with a terrorist organization.

Artan was questioned for over 11 hours regarding his travel to the U.S. and the political situation in Somalia. Despite holding valid travel documents and a single-entry visa, he was informed that he would no longer be part of the World Cup officiating team.

Artan expressed disappointment and confusion over the denial, emphasizing his desire to fulfill his dream of officiating at the World Cup.