Somali referee Omar Artan, barred from the United States ahead of the World Cup, has been named the official for the Uefa Super Cup clash between Paris St-Germain and Aston Villa on 12 August in Salzburg. UEFA confirmed the appointment after talks with the Confederation of African Football, positioning Artan on one of football’s biggest stages. The match pits PSG against Villa champions.

Artan, the 2025 CAF Men’s Referee of the Year and a FIFA international list member since 2018, was set to become Somalia’s first World Cup official. US officials denied him entry in Miami, citing “association with suspected members of terror organisations,” a restriction stemming from the Trump‑era travel ban on several African nations. The denial sparked diplomatic protests from Somalia.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin praised Artan as an “excellent young but already experienced referee,” noting his performances at the highest CAF level. By assigning him to the Super Cup, UEFA signals support for officials from under‑represented footballing nations and counters the US decision. His performance will be scrutinised by officials worldwide.