Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has arrived in Salzburg, Austria, where he is set to make history when he takes charge of the UEFA Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on Wednesday.
Artan will become the first non-European referee to officiate the UEFA Super Cup, marking another major milestone in a career that has continued to rise despite a major setback at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 34-year-old was among the referees selected for the World Cup but was denied entry into the United States after arriving at Miami International Airport.
The decision meant Artan missed the tournament despite having been appointed as one of the match officials.
He has described the experience as a “very tough period”, but said the support he received from around the world helped him move forward.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity and for all the support I received,” Artan said ahead of his historic assignment.
His response has now been seen on one of the biggest stages in European football.
UEFA appointed Artan to officiate the Super Cup, pitting Champions League winners PSG against Europa League winners Aston Villa at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg.
The appointment has also given Africa a major presence in the fixture.
Artan will be assisted by Djibouti’s Liban Abdoulrazack Ahmed and Kenyan assistant referee Stephen Eleazar Onyango Yiembe.
Yiembe’s appointment adds another historic African dimension to the match, with the Kenyan official joining Artan’s team for the high-profile European fixture.
Artan has spent the period since his World Cup disappointment rebuilding his momentum, officiating matches in Somalia, Kuwait and the recent CECAFA Kagame Cup final in Rwanda before travelling to Austria.
His journey has now taken him from being stopped at a US airport to being trusted with one of European football’s biggest season-opening fixtures.
For Artan, the assignment is more than just another match.
It represents a chance to prove himself on the biggest stage after missing out on the World Cup.
“I always say don’t ever stop dreaming,” Artan said, urging young referees to continue believing in their abilities.
The PSG and Aston Villa clash will therefore carry significance beyond the battle for the first European trophy of the new season.
It will be a historic night for Artan, a proud moment for Somalia and another major milestone for African match officials.
