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Somali referee Omar Artan will make history on Wednesday when he takes charge of the UEFA Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria.
The 34-year-old will become the first non-European referee to officiate the prestigious fixture, marking a significant milestone for African football and the global game.
Artan’s appointment comes after he was recognised as Africa’s leading referee last season. He also officiated the 2025 African Champions League final.
His selection for the UEFA Super Cup is particularly notable following his exclusion from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
Artan was initially selected among the tournament’s officials but was prevented from entering the country shortly before the competition.
US officials cited vetting and national security concerns, including alleged links to terrorist organisations, although no evidence was publicly provided.
UEFA subsequently handed Artan the opportunity to officiate one of European football’s major fixtures, placing him at the centre of Wednesday’s meeting between the Champions League winners and Europa League champions.
Reflecting on his World Cup disappointment, Artan acknowledged the difficulty of missing an assignment he had worked towards for years.
“A lot of people have sympathy for me because when someone has been working a lot of years and is supposed to do something, and then can’t do it, it’s very challenging,” he told UEFA.
“I really appreciate the support I received throughout the world, though. I’m so grateful.”
Artan said he had been studying both PSG and Aston Villa extensively ahead of his historic assignment.
“The standard in Europe is fantastic and the football they play is very, very good,” he said.
Wednesday’s fixture will therefore carry significance beyond the contest between PSG and Aston Villa, with Artan’s appointment representing a landmark moment for African refereeing on the European stage.
