Somalia Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and Somali referee Omar Artan/ HANDOUTSomalia has welcomed UEFA's decision to appoint Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, describing the move as recognition of excellence and a source of pride for the country.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre congratulated Artan after UEFA announced on June 11 that he would take charge of the prestigious clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, on August 12.
"I warmly welcome UEFA's decision to appoint Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the prestigious UEFA Super Cup clash between PSG and Aston Villa," Barre said.
He said the appointment reflected UEFA's commitment to recognising talent and promoting inclusivity in world football.
"Omar's appointment is a source of immense pride for Somalia and an inspiration to young people across our nation who aspire to reach the highest levels of sport through dedication, integrity and hard work," the Prime Minister said.
Barre added that the appointment demonstrated football's ability to unite people and cultures across borders.
"On behalf of the Government and the people of Somalia, I extend our sincere appreciation to UEFA for this meaningful recognition. We congratulate Omar on this remarkable achievement and wish him every success as he takes charge of what promises to be an exciting and memorable match in Salzburg."
UEFA announced Artan's appointment on Thursday, saying the Somali official would referee the season-opening showdown between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and Europa League champions Aston Villa.
The appointment comes days after Artan was denied entry into the United States, where he had been scheduled to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Artan, who was named CAF Men's Referee of the Year in 2025, had been set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup finals tournament.
However, his hopes were dashed after he was stopped by US immigration authorities in Miami despite travelling with a diplomatic passport and a valid visa.
A US government official later said Artan had been denied entry because of an alleged association with suspected members of terrorist organisations.
Somalia is among the countries affected by travel restrictions introduced by US President Donald Trump.
Following consultations with US authorities, FIFA confirmed that Artan would be unable to participate in the tournament.
Speaking to international media after the incident, Artan maintained that he had met all travel requirements and denied any links to extremist groups.
"I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa," he said.
"I'm just simply a referee who's trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup."
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said Artan had earned the appointment through his performances on the continent and described him as one of Africa's leading match officials.
"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," Ceferin said.
"Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills."
The appointment will see Artan make history as the first non-European referee to officiate the UEFA Super Cup.
