Omar Artan’s shocking exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been followed by a swift return to football’s biggest stage, with UEFA appointing the Somali official to referee this year’s Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.

The 34-year-old had been selected among the referees for the World Cup and was on course to become the first Somali official to take charge of matches at the tournament. However, those plans collapsed after US authorities denied him entry into the country, citing concerns over alleged associations with suspected members of terrorist organisations. The decision added to the growing concern about the inclusivity in North America ahead of the 23rd edition of the World Cup .

Upon his return to Somalia on Wednesday, Artan received a hero’s welcome at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport. He was greeted on the runway by senior government officials and welcomed outside the airport by jubilant supporters. Less than 48 hours after being turned back at the Miami International Airport, Artan has been handed one of the most prestigious assignments in club football.

🚨🇸🇴 UEFA announce Omar Artan to referee UEFA Super Cup between PSG and Aston Villa in August after being denied access to the USA. pic.twitter.com/VplQElbG0R

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 11, 2026

UEFA confirmed on Thursday that Artan will oversee the Super Cup showdown in Salzburg on August 12, a decision reached in consultation with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The fixture pits Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain against Europa League holders Aston Villa.

The appointment is being viewed as both recognition of Artan’s standing within the game and a reflection of growing cooperation between UEFA and CAF under a recently signed partnership agreement.

Artan has been on FIFA’s international refereeing list since 2018 and enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2025, when he was named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year after a string of high-profile performances across the continent.

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin described Artan as one of Africa’s leading officials and said football should serve as a bridge between people rather than a barrier. 

“Omar Artan is an excellent young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football,’’ he said. “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. I am grateful to my friend CAF President Patrice Motsepe for supporting enthusiastically our initiative.” 

CAF president Patrice Motsepe also welcomed the move, saying the Somali referee had brought pride to both his country and the wider African football community.