Zurich: The announcement comes just days after Artan was unable to participate in the FIFA World Cup due to travel-related issues in the United States.

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) confirmed on Thursday that Omar Artan will referee the 2026 UEFA Super Cup clash between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA Europa League champions Aston Villa. The match is scheduled to be played on August 12 at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria.

UEFA said the appointment was made following consultations with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and forms part of a broader cooperation agreement between the two governing bodies aimed at strengthening football development and refereeing standards across continents.

Artan, 34, has emerged as one of Africa’s leading referees in recent years. A FIFA-listed referee since 2018, he made history as the first Somali referee to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations and was named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025. He has also overseen major CAF Champions League fixtures and continental finals, earning widespread recognition for his performances.

The appointment comes shortly after Artan was denied entry into the United States, preventing him from taking up a refereeing role at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite holding a valid visa. The incident drew international attention and sparked discussions about travel restrictions affecting sporting events.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin described Artan as an outstanding and experienced referee who has proven himself at the highest level of African football, while CAF President Patrice Motsepe praised the Somali official for making both Somalia and Africa proud through his achievements.