Thursday, June 11,
2026 - Somali referee, Omar Artan, has secured a landmark appointment with
UEFA after being barred from officiating at the FIFA 2026 World Cup in the
United States.
Artan, who was denied entry at Miami International Airport
despite holding a valid visa, was later accused by the Trump administration of
alleged links to terrorist organisations.
In a dramatic turnaround, UEFA has confirmed that Artan will
officiate the UEFA Super Cup on August 12th in Salzburg, Austria,
pitting Champions League winners, Paris Saint‑Germain, against Europa League
champions, Aston Villa.
The decision follows a new framework agreed between UEFA and
the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin praised Artan’s
credentials, stating:
“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.”
“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.”
The appointment is historic, as UEFA has traditionally
relied exclusively on European referees for the fixture.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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