UEFA Appoints Somali Referee Omar Artan for 2026 Super Cup Final

By Angu Lesley

Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon

UEFA has announced Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan as the match official for the 2026 UEFA Super Cup final between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA Europa League champions Aston Villa.

The prestigious fixture will take place in Salzburg, Austria, marking another milestone in the remarkable rise of the Somali official, who has become one of Africa’s most respected referees.

In a statement confirming the appointment, UEFA said:

“We’re pleased to share that Somali referee Omar Artan will officiate the highly anticipated match between PSG and Aston Villa in Salzburg.”

Artan has steadily built a reputation as one of the continent’s top referees through his performances in CAF competitions and other major international assignments. His appointment to the UEFA Super Cup underlines the confidence placed in him by European football’s governing body.

The appointment comes shortly after Artan was forced to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite being selected among the tournament’s match officials. The Somali referee had been set to make history as the first official from his country to officiate at the World Cup before circumstances prevented his participation.

Despite that setback, Artan received widespread support and recognition back home, with many praising his achievements and the impact he has had on Somali football.

His selection for the Super Cup final has been welcomed across Africa and is seen as another major boost for the development and recognition of African referees on the global stage.

The clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa will be one of the biggest matches on the European club calendar, and Artan’s appointment represents another historic moment for Somalia and African football officiating.

For Somalia, the occasion is yet another reminder that its officials are increasingly making their mark on the world stage, with Omar Artan continuing to inspire a new generation of referees across the continent.