Omar Artan Appointed for PSG vs Aston Villa UEFA Super Cup Clash After World Cup Disappointment
By TUW
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been appointed to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, marking a significant milestone in his refereeing career. The match is scheduled to take place on 12 August and will bring together UEFA Champions League winners PSG and UEFA Europa League champions Aston Villa.
The appointment comes just days after Artan was unable to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States despite being selected among the tournament’s match officials. The highly-rated referee was denied entry into the US, resulting in his removal from FIFA’s World Cup refereeing roster.
UEFA’s decision to hand Artan one of European football’s most prestigious fixtures has been widely viewed as recognition of his talent and contribution to the game. The appointment was made in collaboration with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) under a newly established cooperation agreement between the two governing bodies.
Artan, who was named Africa’s Best Referee in 2025, has earned praise for his performances in major continental competitions and has become one of Africa’s most respected match officials. His selection for the UEFA Super Cup ensures that he remains on football’s biggest stages despite the disappointment of missing the World Cup.
The 34-year-old referee’s latest assignment is expected to be closely watched, as he takes charge of a high-profile encounter between two of Europe’s top clubs in Salzburg.
