UEFA has, following consultations with its sister confederation the Confederation of African Football (CAF), appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup scheduled for 12 August in Salzburg between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA Europa League winners Aston Villa.
Despite his relatively young age, Artan has built a strong reputation as one of the most highly regarded referees globally. He has been on the FIFA international referees list since 2018 and has handled several high-profile matches, including the second leg of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League final. His performances earned him the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year Award 2025.
He was also listed among the match officials selected by FIFA for the 2026 World Cup but was unable to participate due to visa restrictions preventing his entry into the United States.
UEFA said his appointment was made under the framework of a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between UEFA and CAF aimed at strengthening cooperation, particularly in refereeing development, while promoting unity, equality and non-discrimination in football.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin described Artan as an “excellent young but already experienced referee,” adding that he has proven himself at the highest level of African football.
“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,” Čeferin said, while also appreciating CAF President Patrice Motsepe for supporting the initiative.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe praised Artan’s achievement, saying his recognition has brought pride to Somalia and the African continent, while also highlighting his CAF Referee of the Year award and World Cup appointment as proof of his world-class ability.
He added that the appointment represents a strong example of football’s ability to unite Africa, Europe, and the wider world.
