English Premier League
UEFA turn Omar Abdulkadir Artan’s World Cup setback into Super Cup statement
UEFA has used the controversy surrounding Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan’s exclusion from the 2026 World Cup to send a pointed message to FIFA, according to French newspaper L’Equipe.
Artan will take charge of the European Super Cup meeting between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg on Wednesday evening, just weeks after he was prevented from entering the United States and consequently lost the chance to referee at the World Cup.
L’Equipe reports that UEFA’s decision to appoint Artan is intended to highlight the contrast between the treatment he received in the United States and the opportunity he has now been given in Europe. The match is one of the most prominent fixtures of the European season and will mark a return to the international spotlight for the 34-year-old.
The symbolism has been strengthened by the way Artan’s arrival in Salzburg was presented. He entered Austria without difficulty and was photographed at several points after reaching the city. Those images were given prominence, creating an obvious contrast with the events in Miami, where he was refused entry to the United States.
Artan had been selected as one of the officials for the 2026 World Cup. His exclusion meant he missed the tournament he had been preparing for, despite being in line to become the first Somali referee to oversee a match at the finals.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino previously described the incident as “regrettable”. However, he also said the governing body could not control decisions taken by governments and police authorities, including decisions over entry into a country.
UEFA has chosen to respond in a different way by giving Artan what the European governing body describes as an exceptional opportunity. His appointment means he will become the first referee from outside Europe to officiate a match in the history of the European Super Cup.
As a result, the Paris Saint-Germain-Aston Villa fixture carries significance beyond the battle for the trophy. It represents Artan’s return to the highest level after the setback in the United States, while also serving as a public statement about the contrasting approaches taken by UEFA and FIFA.
Artan was named the Confederation of African Football’s best referee of 2025. He will be assisted in Salzburg by Djiboutian official Liban Abdoulrazak Ahmed and Kenyan referee Stephen Elizar Onyango Yembe.
The match will therefore provide Artan with a major platform only a short time after the World Cup disappointment. For UEFA, his presence at the Red Bull Arena also offers a highly visible reminder of the support it has extended to a referee whose tournament hopes were ended before he was able to take part.