From Visa to History: Somali Omar Artan to Referee the Super Cup
The first non-European referee in UEFA Super Cup history speaks openly about the difficult period after missing the 2026 World Cup due to an administrative hurdle.
The first non-European referee in UEFA Super Cup history speaks openly about the difficult period after missing the 2026 World Cup due to an administrative hurdle.
Somali football referee Omar Artan is preparing for a historic evening in Salzburg, where he will become the first non-European referee to officiate a UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa. However, the path to the top for the 34-year-old has been marked by a huge professional disappointment that he found hard to bear.
Artan was selected among the elite referees for the 2026 World Cup, but his dream collapsed due to an administrative hurdle. He failed to obtain the necessary visa to enter the United States, which completely removed him from the tournament in North America.
"It was a very difficult period," Artan admitted to UEFA.com. "Many people sympathize with me, because when someone works for many years and is supposed to do something, and then cannot, it is very challenging. Still, I truly appreciate the support I received from around the world; I am so grateful."
Artan's success is built on perseverance that began long before he arrived on the international stage. Growing up in Somalia, he faced personal tragedies and environmental challenges that made a career in professional sports seem almost impossible.
"I was lucky, but I also worked very hard to be here, and I am truly proud," he said. "As you can imagine, I grew up in a difficult situation, but that did not stop me from pursuing my dreams."
His development accelerated in 2018 when he was added to FIFA's list of international referees. Six years later, in 2024, he became the first Somali to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations, cementing his status as a symbol of progress in African refereeing.
The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr. Patrice Motsepe, highlighted the importance of Artan's appointment for the match in Salzburg: "This is a great honor for Omar Artan and for African referees. It is an excellent example of how football brings people together and unites them."
Being appointed for the clash between PSG and Aston Villa is a historic moment for the cooperation between UEFA and CAF, as for the first time a referee from outside Europe gets the whistle for this prestigious event. For Artan, this is also his debut on European soil.
"This will be my first match in Europe. Having adventures, creating memories, and learning new things is always great," Artan said. He also highlighted the excitement of the Somali community: "When we received this call, it was a truly, truly happy moment for me and my family. The large Somali community in Europe and in Austria is overjoyed that I am officiating such a match."
As he prepares to step onto the pitch at the Red Bull Arena, Artan remains committed to using his platform to inspire others facing similar obstacles. "I believe that if I can succeed, anyone can. You can do whatever you want. Never stop dreaming. If you want to be a referee, it is the best thing you can do," he said.
