The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has appointed Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan as the center referee for the 2026 UEFA Super Cup final, marking a significant milestone for African officials in European football.
According to UEFA’s official statement, Artan will take charge of the match between Paris Saint-Germain of France and Aston Villa of England, scheduled to be played in August 2026.
A MAJOR STEP IN HIS CAREER
Artan’s appointment is seen as a major achievement in his refereeing career, especially considering the challenges he faced after missing out on participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to being denied entry into the United States for administrative reasons.
Although that incident was viewed as a setback, it has since become part of a broader success story, as he continues to receive high-profile assignments in international competitions.
UEFA CONFIDENCE AND CAF CONTRIBUTION
UEFA stated that Artan’s selection was based on his consistent performances in international matches and club competitions across Africa.
He was recognized for:
Consistency in high-pressure matches
Accurate and quick decision-making on the field
Experience in top-level CAF competitions
The appointment is also linked to growing cooperation between UEFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in promoting refereeing talent from the African continent.
