Omar Artan, a Somali referee, has been appointed to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup despite being denied entry into the United States due to alleged associations with terror organizations. Artan was barred from entering the U.S. at Miami International Airport by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) due to 'vetting concerns' shortly before the tournament. He had received a visa from the Somali Embassy in Kenya but was flagged for 'derogatory' information. UEFA cited Artan's officiating skills as the reason for his appointment, with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin praising his experience and contributions to football. CAF president Patrice Motsepe also expressed pride in Artan's achievements, including receiving the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year Award 2025. Artan returned to Somalia after his entry denial and expressed gratitude to his supporters, promising to continue pursuing opportunities in officiating. The UEFA Super Cup is scheduled for August 12, featuring Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.
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Somali Referee Omar Artan Appointed to Officiate UEFA Super Cup Despite US Entry Denial
Omar Artan, a Somali referee, has been appointed to officiate the UEFA Super Cup despite being denied entry into the U.S. due to alleged terror links. UEFA praised his officiating skills, and Artan expressed gratitude to his supporters after returning to Somalia.
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Omar Artan
Aleksander Ceferin
Patrice Motsepe
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UEFA appoints Somali referee that was denied US entry over alleged terror links to officiate big game
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Somali Referee Omar Artan Appointed to Officiate UEFA Super Cup Despite US Entry Denial