Somali referee Omar Artan will make history this Wednesday as the first non-European to officiate the UEFA Super Cup where Champions League winners Paris St Germain will face Europa League holders Aston Villa in Salzburg.
The 34-year-old, recently named the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men's Referee of the Year, urged aspiring officials to "never stop dreaming" ahead of his European debut. UEFA confirmed that Artan's groundbreaking appointment is part of a broader cooperation agreement signed with CAF earlier this year.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe praised the decision and calling it a "great honour for Omar Artan and for African referees."
Added to FIFA's international list in 2018, Artan's rise has been remarkable. He previously became the first Somali official to referee at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations and the CAF Champions League final.
However, his career has also faced significant geopolitical hurdles. Despite being selected for the recent World Cup and holding a valid visa, Omar Artan was barred from entering the United States. Under sweeping travel bans affecting Somali citizens, U.S. Customs and Border Protection denied him entry with an administration official alleging links to "suspected members of terror organizations."
Reflecting on the missed World Cup opportunity, Artan admitted it was a "very tough period" but chose to focus on the future. Standing on the precipice of a historic milestone in Salzburg, his message remains one of resilience "I believe that if I can succeed, anyone can."
