UEFA has announced that Somali referee Omar Artan will officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Aston Villa in Salzburg.
The announcement, made on Thursday, June 11, 2026, has generated massive reactions, especially from African football fans who see it as a proud moment for the continent.
🏆 Referee announced for 2026 #SuperCup!
We’re pleased to share that Somali referee Omar Artan will officiate the highly anticipated match between PSG and Aston Villa in Salzburg.
— UEFA (@UEFA) June 11, 2026
Omar Artan, a highly regarded referee from Somalia, was selected for the prestigious fixture between the UEFA Champions League winners and the UEFA Europa League winners.
The appointment comes shortly after reports that Artan faced visa or entry issues related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making UEFA’s decision a significant show of confidence in the Somali official.
The news has been widely celebrated across Africa, particularly in Somalia and among the African football community. Many praised UEFA for giving Artan a high-profile platform, with several users contrasting it with FIFA’s earlier decision.
Comments such as “UEFA >>> FIFA”, “Thank you UEFA”, and “Big win for Omar” trended following the announcement. While some viewed it as a positive step for diversity in refereeing, others criticised it as a political or PR move.
Omar Artan’s selection for the Super Cup final is a major milestone for Somali and African refereeing. It highlights the growing recognition of African officials on the European stage and could open more doors for talented referees from the continent.
The 2026 UEFA Super Cup is scheduled to take place in Salzburg, Austria, and will be one of the biggest club matches before the new season kicks off.
Omar Artan has earned respect for his consistency and quality refereeing. This appointment is expected to boost his profile significantly on the international stage.
As reactions continue to pour in, the Somali referee’s big assignment stands out as one of the most talked-about refereeing decisions of the year.
