Somali Referee to Officiate UEFA Super Cup Final Despite US Entry Denial
Poinews.com –
Omar Artan, a prominent Somali football official, will referee the UEFA Super Cup final on 12 August in Salzburg, Austria, despite being barred from entering the United States for the World Cup. The decision came after UEFA confirmed his appointment in collaboration with the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF). Artan, recognized as one of the leading referees globally, was honored with the 2025 CAF Men’s Referee of the Year Award.
UEFA’s Confidence in Artan
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin praised Artan’s abilities, calling him “a promising and seasoned official who has demonstrated his competence at the highest level of African football.” He emphasized that the appointment reflects UEFA’s commitment to recognizing excellence across continents. “Football is a unifying force, and we are proud to support Omar’s journey,” Čeferin stated.
“I’m just a referee striving to fulfill my lifelong dream of officiating at the World Cup,” Artan said in an interview with The New York Times. He claimed he had “all the necessary documents and a valid visa” but was detained for 11 hours at Miami International Airport.
Artan’s World Cup assignment was postponed after U.S. border officials flagged him due to vetting concerns. He was temporarily held in a holding cell before being redirected to Istanbul. Though he couldn’t participate in the World Cup, his role in the UEFA Super Cup final highlights his international standing.
Back in Somalia, Artan received a warm reception in Mogadishu, greeted by fans and media as he disembarked from his flight. His experience underscores the challenges faced by referees from emerging football nations in securing opportunities on the global stage.
