Somalia’s Omar Artan gets UEFA invite for 2026 Summer Course

Somali referee Omar Artan has received an invitation to UEFA’s 2026 Men’s Summer Course after taking charge of the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on August 12.

The programme is scheduled for August 31 to September 2, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland. It will bring together referees for UEFA’s preparation and development work ahead of the new season.

UEFA has communicated Artan’s invitation to both the Confederation of African Football and the Somali Football Federation. The organisation is also interested in having the Somali official referee matches in European competitions, further reflecting his growing standing with European football’s governing body.

Artan’s appointment to the Super Cup was a significant achievement for Somali refereeing. His involvement in the Geneva course now gives him an opportunity to gain further experience alongside officials working within UEFA’s refereeing structure.

The invitation comes after Artan was previously denied entry to the United States and missed the chance to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has nevertheless continued to build his international profile, with the Super Cup assignment followed quickly by recognition from UEFA.