Omar Artan to referee UEFA Super Cup after missing World Cup assignment

UEFA has appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to handle the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, giving him a major European final just weeks after he was blocked from World Cup duty by U.S. immigration authorities.

The match is scheduled for August 12 in Salzburg, Austria, and will feature Paris Saint-Germain, the Champions League winners, against Aston Villa, the Europa League winners.

AP reported that Artan was recently refused entry to the United States, where he had been due to officiate at World Cup matches. The report said he was questioned for 11 hours in Miami before being sent back to Turkey and then returning to Somalia.

UEFA said the appointment followed discussions with the Confederation of African Football. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said the move was meant to show respect for Artan and his refereeing ability, while CAF president Patrice Motsepe said the appointment was an honor for African referees.

A marquee assignment

Artan’s appointment gives him one of UEFA’s biggest one-off matches of the year and places him in charge of a final that will draw global attention.

The decision also adds a new chapter to a dispute that has already drawn scrutiny because of its timing. Artan had been selected for World Cup officiating duties before being turned away at the U.S. border.

AP reported that U.S. officials claimed Artan had connections to terror organizations, but no proof was made public.

What happens next

UEFA will stage the Super Cup on August 12 in Salzburg. The rest of the officiating team may be confirmed closer to the match.

The episode is likely to remain part of broader debate around World Cup access, immigration decisions and the place of African referees in elite international football.