Somali official Omar Artan has told the next generation of referees to keep pursuing their ambitions as he prepares to become the first non-European referee appointed to the UEFA Super Cup, which takes place in Salzburg tomorrow.
The 34-year-old is now regarded as one of Africa’s foremost match officials. He was the first Somali referee to take charge of a CAF Champions League final and has also received the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year award.
UEFA confirmed that Artan’s appointment came through a cooperation deal agreed with CAF this year to deepen ties between the two organisations.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe described the occasion as a major achievement for both Artan and referees across Africa, calling it a “great honour” for the Somali official.
Artan had been chosen to officiate at this year’s World Cup, but U.S. Customs and Border Protection prevented him from entering the United States even though he held a valid visa.
“It was an extremely difficult time,” Artan said. “Many people understood what I was going through. When somebody has spent years working towards an opportunity and is then unable to take part, it is incredibly challenging.”
Concerns over access to the World Cup were heightened by U.S. President Donald Trump’s hard-line immigration approach. Last year, Washington introduced a wide-ranging travel ban covering nationals from 12 countries, Somalia among them.
An official from the administration said Artan had been refused entry because of alleged connections to “suspected members of terror organizations”.
Artan joined FIFA’s international refereeing list in 2018 and, six years later, became the first Somali official to work at the Africa Cup of Nations.
“I feel that my progress shows anyone can achieve something,” he said. “Never stop dreaming.”
Wednesday’s fixture in Salzburg will feature Champions League holders Paris St Germain against Aston Villa, the reigning Europa League winners.
