The appointment of Omar Artan to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup is generating a wave of positive reactions in the football world. Beyond the official announcement, UEFA and CAF leaders have clarified the motivations behind this choice, which concerns the match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, scheduled for August 12 in Salzburg.
In a statement released by UEFA, its president Aleksander Čeferin highlighted the impressive journey of the Somali referee, who has recently been recognized at the continental level. According to him, this nomination is based on strictly sporting criteria related to performance and experience at the highest level.
The European leader emphasized the level already achieved by the African official. “Omar Artan is an excellent young referee, already very experienced, who has proven himself at the highest level of the African Football Confederation,” said the president of the European body.
For Aleksander Čeferin, this appointment goes beyond just the competition. It is part of a broader movement recognizing football as a tool for bringing people and sports institutions together. “Football is a vector of social connection, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his exceptional refereeing, which earned him this prestigious nomination,” he added. He also reminded everyone that this decision is part of the strengthened partnership between UEFA and CAF, aimed at encouraging exchanges and promoting talent between the two confederations.
On his part, CAF president Patrice Motsepe expressed his satisfaction with this international recognition given to an African referee. He believes this nomination illustrates the progress and credibility of refereeing on the continent.
The South African leader praised the journey of the Somali official, whom he considers one of the most promising representatives of his generation. “Omar Artan has made Somalia and the entire African continent proud. Winning the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year award for 2025 and his nomination as a referee for the 2026 World Cup showcase his world-class refereeing talent and the international respect he enjoys,” Motsepe stated.
He also stressed the symbolic significance of this appointment for all African referees, believing it serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for new generations. “This is a great honor for Omar Artan and for African referees,” he added, while praising the ongoing cooperation between CAF and UEFA.
Through these statements, both bodies reaffirm their shared commitment to valuing talents from all regions of the world and strengthening institutional ties between Europe and Africa. This nomination stands as a strong signal in favor of recognizing refereeing skills at the international level. For Omar Artan, this marks an important new step in a rapidly progressing career, characterized by increasing responsibility on the global stage.
