Somali referee Omar Artan grateful for Super Cup chance after World Cup exclusion
Somali referee Omar Artan will make history as the first non-European official to referee the UEFA Super Cup. This opportunity follows his exclusion from officiating at the World Cup due to being denied entry to the US.
Why it matters
It represents a significant milestone for diversity in international football officiating and highlights the impact of visa policies on professional sports.
Omar Artan (centre) was given a hero’s welcome when he arrived back in Mogadishu after being denied entry to the US. Omar Artan (centre) was given a hero’s welcome when he arrived back in Mogadishu after being denied entry to the US. Soccer Somali referee Omar Artan grateful for Super Cup chance after World Cup exclusion Referee was refused entry to US in June
Will take charge of PSG v Aston Villa on Wednesday
Prefer the Guardian on Google The Somali referee Omar Artan, who was refused entry to the US to officiate at the World Cup, has spoken publicly for the first time about the decision and detailed his pride as he prepares to take charge of the Super Cup match between Paris Saint‑Germain and Aston Villa on Wednesday. Uefa awarded the 34-year-old Artan the game a few days after he was prevented from working at the tournament.
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