League: FIFA World Cup Sport: Soccer Country: Global Category: Transactions

Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate UEFA Super Cup after US entry denial

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 11, 2026, 5:18 PM

Last updated Aug 11, 2026

Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate UEFA Super Cup after US entry denial

Summary

Omar Artan, the Somali soccer referee who was previously denied entry to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will officiate the UEFA Super Cup in Austria on August 12. Artan, recognized as the 2025 CAF Men's Referee of the Year, aims to demonstrate his qualifications at this prestigious event between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa. Despite the setback earlier this summer, he continued to referee domestic matches and expressed hope for future opportunities. Artan emphasized the importance of perseverance in achieving one's goals, encouraging aspiring referees to pursue their dreams.

Source Links

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Key Details

•Artan was denied US entry for the World Cup in June.
•He is officiating the UEFA Super Cup on August 12.
•Artan is the first non-European referee to oversee the event.
•He continues to encourage aspiring referees to pursue their dreams.
•Artan officiated domestic matches in Somalia following the incident.

Latest Updates

5:18 PMYahoo Sports — Somali ref denied US entry for World Cup in charge of UEFA Super Cup

What they're saying

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The referee who was denied entry for the World Cup is in Austria for the UEFA Super Cup, telling aspiring officials to keep dreaming big.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Paris Saint-Germain Aston Villa FIFA World Cup Soccer