UEFA picks Somali referee banned by US for European Super Cup
Summary
Somali referee Omar Artan, who was banned from entering the United States for the World Cup, has been chosen to referee the 2026 UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa. UEFA named him to highlight cooperation with the African football group and to honor his refereeing skills despite his US travel ban.Key Facts
- Omar Artan is a Somali referee who was denied entry to the US for the 2026 World Cup.
- The US said Artan was linked to suspected members of terrorist groups, making him ineligible to enter.
- FIFA removed Artan from the World Cup referee list after the US ban.
- UEFA appointed Artan to referee the 2026 UEFA Super Cup on August 12 in Austria.
- The match will be between Paris Saint-Germain (Champions League winners) and Aston Villa (Europa League winners).
- UEFA president praised Artan's skills and said football connects people.
- The appointment is part of cooperation between UEFA (Europe) and CAF (Africa) football bodies.
- CAF president said Artan’s achievements bring pride to Somalia and Africa.
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