Artan to referee Uefa Super Cup after losing World Cup spot
Summary
Somali referee Omar Artan was not allowed to enter the United States to officiate at the World Cup due to concerns over his connections with suspected terror members. Instead, he has been chosen to referee the Uefa Super Cup match between Paris St-Germain and Aston Villa in August.Key Facts
- Omar Artan became an international FIFA-listed referee in 2018.
- He was set to be the first Somali referee at a World Cup finals.
- Artan was denied entry to the US despite having a diplomatic passport and single-entry visa.
- US officials cited his "association with suspected members of terror organisations" as the reason for refusal.
- Somalia is on a US travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump.
- UEFA appointed Artan to referee the Super Cup match on 12 August in Salzburg between PSG and Aston Villa.
- Artan was named Africa's referee of the year for 2025 by CAF (Confederation of African Football).
- UEFA’s president praised Artan’s skills and emphasized football’s role in connecting people.
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