Somali referee Omar Artan has been handed one of the biggest assignments of his career after UEFA officially appointed him to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.
The highly anticipated clash is scheduled for August 12 at the Red Bull Arena and will feature UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain taking on Europa League champions Aston Villa in the traditional curtain-raiser to the European season.
Artan’s appointment is being celebrated across Africa and carries historic significance. It forms part of the cooperation agreement between UEFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which seeks to promote diversity, inclusion, and greater opportunities for African match officials at the highest level of the game.
For the 34-year-old referee, the appointment comes after a challenging period. Earlier this year, Artan was selected to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a milestone that would have made him the first Somali referee in the tournament’s history.
However, his World Cup dream was cut short after he was denied entry into the United States, forcing him to miss the competition. The setback was met with disappointment from football fans and officials across Africa, many of whom had viewed his selection as a landmark achievement for Somali football.
Despite that disappointment, Artan has continued to receive strong support from football authorities. His appointment to the UEFA Super Cup final is being seen as recognition of his talent, professionalism, and growing reputation within international football.
The Somali official has established himself as one of Africa’s most respected referees in recent years. His performances earned him the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year award in 2025, further cementing his status among the continent’s elite match officials.
Now, Artan will have the opportunity to officiate a major European final featuring some of the biggest names in world football. For many, the appointment serves as a fitting reward for his resilience and dedication, proving that a temporary setback has not stopped his remarkable rise in the game.
As football fans look ahead to the UEFA Super Cup, all eyes will be on Omar Artan as he prepares to take charge of one of the most prestigious matches of the year.
