Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan is set for a major comeback on the world stage. After being blocked from officiating at the World Cup in June, the 34-year-old will now take charge of the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.
Artan made headlines before the tournament when he was turned away at Miami International Airport despite being named to FIFA’s official panel of referees. A US State Department official cited alleged links to suspected members of terrorist organizations as the reason for denying him entry. Artan denied the claims.
The decision sparked backlash in Somalia, where Artan was received as a hero on his return. FIFA president Gianni Infantino also called the situation “unfortunate,” saying “we don’t control everything.”
“It was a very tough period,” Artan told UEFA in an interview. “A lot of people have sympathy for me, because when someone has been working a lot of years and is supposed to do it, and then can’t, it’s very challenging.”
UEFA stepped in weeks later. Citing its cooperation agreement with the Confederation of African Football signed in April, the European body named Artan to referee the Super Cup. The move is also being read as a political signal amid UEFA’s ongoing clash with FIFA over proposals to bring private investors into the World Cup.
“I was lucky, but I have worked very hard to be here, and I’m really proud,” Artan said. “As you can imagine, I grew up in a difficult situation, but it didn’t prevent me from pursuing my dreams.”
Artan made history in 2024 as the first Somali referee at the Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Cup in Europe will be his first match on the continent.
“When we got this call, it was for me and my family a really, very happy moment,” he said. “Having adventures, making memories and learning new things is always great.”
