Somali Referee Omar Artan To Officiate PSG vs Aston Villa Super Cup Clash
UEFA has confirmed that Somali referee Omar Artan will be in charge of the 2026 UEFA Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, a decision that has drawn widespread attention across the football world.
The match, scheduled for 12 August in Salzburg, will feature UEFA Champions League winners PSG against Europa League champions Aston Villa in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the new European season.
According to UEFA, the appointment was made after consultations with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), as part of a broader cooperation agreement between both governing bodies aimed at strengthening refereeing development and football relations.
The decision comes shortly after Artan was controversially denied entry into the United States, where he was originally expected to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The incident sparked backlash from different quarters of the global football community, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding his exclusion.
UEFA stated that the selection reflects its commitment to unity, inclusion, and fairness in football, emphasizing that both UEFA and CAF continue to work together to promote equal opportunities within the sport.
Artan’s rise in refereeing has been remarkable. He was recently named CAF’s Best Male Referee following a series of strong performances in continental competitions.
He also officiated high-profile matches, including the CAF Champions League second-leg encounter between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS FAR, further boosting his reputation on the international stage.
The upcoming Super Cup assignment is seen as another major milestone in his career, placing him at the centre of a prestigious European fixture involving two elite clubs.
Football observers believe the appointment not only recognizes Artan’s consistency but also highlights growing collaboration between African and European football authorities in promoting refereeing excellence at the highest level.