UEFA Appoints Somali Referee Omar Artan to 2026 Super Cup Final Between PSG and Aston Villa

Somali referee Omar Artan will take charge of the 2026 UEFA Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg on 12 August, UEFA confirmed on 11 June 2026. The appointment comes shortly after Artan was controversially prevented from officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup following his denial of entry into the United States.

According to a Pulse Sports report, a statement from U.S. Border and Customs Protection cited “vetting concerns” as the reason for Artan’s removal from the country. Artan had been one of 52 referees officially appointed by FIFA for the tournament and was on course to become the first Somalian referee ever to officiate at a World Cup, as well as one of the youngest African officials to do so. The incident drew widespread condemnation from fans, journalists, and the broader African football community.

Artan, 38, was named CAF Referee of the Year in 2025. In a formal statement announcing his Super Cup appointment, UEFA said: “Following discussions with its sister confederation, Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), UEFA has today appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, which will take place on 12 August in Salzburg between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA Europa League winners Aston Villa FC.”

PSG secured their place in the Super Cup as reigning UEFA Champions League holders, having defeated Arsenal on penalties in the 2026 final. Aston Villa qualified by winning the UEFA Europa League. The match in Salzburg will mark PSG’s second consecutive Super Cup appearance — the French club featured in the 2025 edition, where they defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 on the night, winning 4-3 on penalties.

The decision by UEFA to coordinate Artan’s appointment directly with CAF underscores the cross-confederation significance of the move. While UEFA has not publicly framed the appointment as a response to the World Cup controversy, the timing has drawn significant attention across African football circles. Had Artan been permitted to enter the United States, the 2026 World Cup would have represented the pinnacle of his officiating career to date. The Super Cup assignment now offers a comparable stage on which the Somali referee can demonstrate his capabilities at the highest level of club football.

The 2026 UEFA Super Cup final is scheduled for 12 August in Salzburg, Austria.