UEFA has appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to take charge of the UEFA Super Cup match between PSG and Aston Villa in Salzburg on August 12 — just weeks after US authorities banned him from the 2026 World Cup over suspected terrorist associations.

The European football body reached the decision after consulting the Confederation of African Football. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin called Artan an excellent young but already experienced referee who proved himself at the highest CAF competition level.

"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," Ceferin said. He thanked CAF President Patrice Motsepe for supporting the initiative enthusiastically.

Artan was among 52 referees selected for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. But US Customs and Border Protection denied him entry at Miami International Airport around June 7, claiming he was associated with suspected members of terrorist organisations and therefore inadmissible under US immigration law.

The referee arrived with what he and reports described as a valid US visa and a diplomatic passport, along with FIFA documentation. Officials initially cited "vetting concerns" before clarifying that derogatory information about his alleged associations triggered the denial. A White House official said the decision was made for "a very good reason."

FIFA later confirmed Artan would no longer train or officiate at the tournament. The world governing body said it doesn't control visa or entry decisions — those are the host government's responsibility.

Artan's removal ended his chance to make history as the first Somali on-pitch official at a World Cup. He received a hero's welcome in Mogadishu on Wednesday and vowed to take part in the 2030 World Cup.

Now UEFA has thrown its weight behind the 2025 African Referee of the Year. The Super Cup pits the UEFA Champions League winner against the Europa League champion — this year, PSG face Aston Villa.

The case highlights strict US border screening procedures, especially for nationals from countries facing travel restrictions. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, even travellers with valid visas can be refused admission at the port of entry if security issues arise.

  • Omar Artan: 2025 African Referee of the Year, one of 52 FIFA-selected officials for 2026 World Cup
  • Denied entry at Miami International Airport around June 7, 2026
  • US officials cited alleged association with suspected terrorist organisations
  • Appointed to officiate UEFA Super Cup on August 12, 2026 in Salzburg
  • Match: PSG (UCL winner) vs Aston Villa (Europa League winner)