UEFA has appointed Omar Artan as the referee for the Super Cup after he was banned from entering the United States for the World Cup.
Artan, who is from Somalia, had been set to officiate at the World Cup after being named on FIFA’s final referee list for the tournament.
However, he was refused entry into the United States amid visa and immigration issues before the tournament.
UEFA has now announced that the 34-year-old will referee the Super Cup between Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and Europa League winners Aston Villa.
The match will take place in Salzburg on August 12.
Artan was named Africa’s men’s referee of the year in 2025. He had also been set to become the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup.
UEFA said the appointment follows an agreement with CAF. The two organisations said they are united by a shared commitment to developing football and promoting “unity, equality and non-discrimination.”
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin praised Artan and said the appointment showed respect for his ability as a referee.
“Omar Artan is an excellent young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football,” Čeferin said.
“Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which had earned him such a prestigious nomination. I am grateful to my friend CAF President Patrice Motsepe for supporting enthusiastically our initiative.”
Artan was questioned for 11 hours by border officials before being placed on a flight to Istanbul, Turkey.
His exclusion from the World Cup has caused major discussion before the tournament begins.
Fans and journalists from countries including Iran, Haiti, Ivory Coast and Senegal have also reportedly been refused permission to travel to the United States.
The International Sports Press Association protested the situation and sent a letter of complaint to FIFA.
Artan later received a hero’s welcome when he returned to Somalia.
He was filmed stepping off the plane and being greeted by well-wishers and officials. He also posed for photos while holding the Somali flag.
Artan said he was deeply disappointed by the decision to deny him entry.
Speaking to the New York Times, he said he was “very disappointed” and added: “I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa.”
The Trump administration claimed Artan was denied entry because of “terrorism fears.”
In a statement provided to FOX, a Trump official said: “This individual was seeking admission to the United States.”
“Upon further inspection by CBP, derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organizations, was discovered making the traveler ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).”
“The traveler was refused admission and given immigration forms that provide the section of law used to complete an expedited removal under 8235 of the INA.”
“President Trump’s administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country – full stop.”
US Customs and Border Protection had earlier said: “The traveler underwent additional inspection, a routine part of C.B.P.’s inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility.”
Artan said the decision had shattered his “biggest dream” of officiating at a World Cup.
Despite missing out on the World Cup, he has now been handed one of European football’s major curtain-raising fixtures.
