Somali referee Omar Artan, who was controversially blocked from officiating at the World Cup after being denied entry into the United States, has been appointed to referee the UEFA Super Cup in August, European football’s governing body has confirmed.
Artan, 34, will take charge of the high-profile fixture between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg on August 12, in what UEFA described as recognition of his “outstanding officiating skills.”
The decision comes months after the referee was prevented from entering the United States despite reportedly holding a valid visa. He was turned away at Miami International Airport, with Somalia listed among countries affected by a travel restriction introduced during the Donald Trump administration.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino had previously indicated that the organisation had limited ability to intervene in the matter, further intensifying debate within global football circles.
UEFA said the appointment followed discussions with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which supported the initiative to elevate Artan to one of European football’s most prestigious officiating assignments.
“Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which had earned him such a prestigious nomination,” UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said. “I am grateful to my friend CAF president Patrice Motsepe for supporting enthusiastically our initiative.”
CAF president Motsepe welcomed the decision, describing Artan as a source of pride for the continent.
“This is a great honour for Omar Artan and for African referees and is also an excellent example of football bringing together and uniting people from Africa and Europe and worldwide,” Motsepe said.
Artan, widely regarded as one of Africa’s top referees, received a hero’s welcome upon his return to Mogadishu on Wednesday, where thousands gathered to celebrate his appointment and show support following the controversy.
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