When the US denied Somali referee Omar Artan entry for the 2026 World Cup, it tried to break him. Instead, it created an icon. He returned to Mogadishu not in shame, but to a hero’s welcome – government officials, flag-waving crowds, and a presidential meeting celebrating his dignity.
Now UEFA has appointed him to officiate the prestigious UEFA Super Cup between PSG and Aston Villa.
Artan will become the first non-European to referee this match.
Some doors close but greater ones open.
- Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the US for the 2026 World Cup.
- Instead of breaking him, this incident elevated Artan to iconic status in Somalia.
- He returned to Mogadishu to a hero’s welcome with officials, crowds, and a presidential meeting.
- UEFA appointed him to referee the prestigious UEFA Super Cup between PSG and Aston Villa.
- Artan will be the first non-European to officiate the UEFA Super Cup match.
When the US denied Somali referee Omar Artan entry for the 2026 World Cup, it tried to break him. Instead, it created an icon. He returned to
Now UEFA has appointed him to officiate the prestigious UEFA Super Cup between PSG and Aston Villa.
Artan will become the first non-European to referee this match.
Some doors close but greater ones open.
