Omar Artan was supposed to be at the World Cup. Instead, he was stopped at Miami airport.
The 34-year-old Somali referee — rated among Africa’s best — was denied entry to the US last year because Somalia is on Donald Trump’s travel ban list. Fifa president Gianni Infantino said he couldn’t overrule the administration.
Artan’s story sparked outrage. Somali officials asked football to rally behind him, and Uefa answered.
On Wednesday Uefa announced Artan will referee the 2026 Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg on Aug 12. The appointment came after talks with Caf.
“Football is made to connect people,” said Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin. “Uefa wants to show respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating.” Caf president Patrice Motsepe called it “a great honour” and said Artan made Africa “extremely proud”.
Artan returned to Mogadishu on Wednesday to a hero’s welcome. Thousands lined the streets to greet the referee the US barred, but Uefa elevated.
