Somali referee Omar Artan, barred from the U.S. over visa doubts, has been named the official for the UEFA Super Cup on Aug. 12. The match pits Champions League champions Paris Saint‑Germain against Europa League winners Aston Villa in Salzburg. Artan, 34, will be the first African to lead a major UEFA final.

Artan returned to Somalia after Miami's Customs and Border Protection cited “vetting concerns” for his removal. FIFA President Gianni Infantino dismissed criticism, urging calm, while UEFA and CAF’s new memorandum of understanding aims to boost cooperation. Artan earned CAF Men’s Referee of the Year 2025 and has officiated the 2025‑26 CAF Champions League final in a career highlighted by ascension.

The decision makes Artan the first African to referee a UEFA final, underscoring the growing influence of African officials on the global stage. Fans in Salzburg will witness a historic match where PSG’s star power meets Villa’s grit. UEFA’s move also signals a broader push for diversity and meritocracy in elite football governance as clubs and fans alike rally today.