Omar Artan to officiate UEFA Super Cup between PSG and Aston Villa

Somali referee Omar Artan is preparing to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, this Wednesday. At 34 years old, Artan will become the first official from outside Europe to take charge of the competition.

This appointment follows a significant period of growth for the official. Within the last 18 months, Artan became the first Somali referee to oversee a CAF Champions League final and was named the 2025 CAF Men’s Referee of the Year. He has also secured a position on the officiating roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Artan's path to the international stage involved overcoming personal and professional hurdles. He faced a difficult period when he was unable to enter the United States for the World Cup, a setback he described as challenging. His early career began after a minor playing injury led him to pursue refereeing, moving from neighborhood games and school matches to the Somali league.

His rise is supported by a growing relationship between CAF and UEFA. Artan, who joined FIFA’s international list in 2018 and officiated at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, views the appointment as a way for referees from both confederations to learn from one another. CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe noted that the appointment serves as an example of football uniting people.

To prepare for the match in Austria, Artan has been officiating in Somalia and recently managed the Kuwaiti Premier League title decider. He stated that his preparation involves extensive research into the tactics and behaviors of the competing teams. This Super Cup assignment marks his first match in Europe.