Sports
After US visa setback, UEFA picks Somali referee Omar Artan for 2026 Super Cup
UEFA has appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate next season’s Super Cup, months after he was reportedly denied entry into the United States to take charge of a World Cup assignment.
The European football governing body confirmed that Artan will referee the match between Paris Saint-Germain, the UEFA Champions League winners, and Aston Villa, who won the Europa League. The game is scheduled to hold on 12 August in Salzburg.
UEFA said the appointment followed discussions with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA president, said Artan’s “outstanding officiating skills” earned him the Super Cup duty.
“Omar Artan is an excellent young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football, ” Ceferin said.
“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. I am grateful to my friend CAF President Patrice Motsepe for supporting enthusiastically our initiative.”
Artan was among the 52 referees selected for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.
However, the Somali was barred from entering the US after arriving at Miami International Airport.
The US authorities claimed that the referee was “associated with suspected members of terrorist organisations”, therefore “making the traveller ineligible for admission to the United States”.
FIFA also confirmed that he would no longer be part of the World Cup.
He was received with a hero’s welcome in Mogadishu on Wednesday and vowed to take part in the next World Cup in 2030.
Follow Us on Google Discover
ADC Court Verdict: Step down for Obi, support NDC – Isaac Fayose tells Atiku
Former Kwara Commissioner Adenike Adesida resigns from APC
Despite Court ruling, Atiku leads ADC mega rally in Kebbi amid massive crowd
Two feared killed, 20 abducted as terrorists attack Kaduna community
PSC deploy four commissioners to Plateau, Enugu, Nasarawa, Ondo
‘Atiku is the greatest threat to Tinubu, without him on the ballot, Tinubu will defeat Obi by over 7 Million votes’ — Deji Adeyanju
2027: Massive crowd as Shettima, Yilwatda lead Tinubu mega rally in Ekiti (Photo)
Tinubu’s visit: Akwa Ibom Police ban drones, fireworks, restrict traffic in Uyo
Akwa Ibom govt declares Friday public holiday ahead of Tinubu’s visit
After Sokoto rally, Tinubu officials held late night meeting to plot judgement against Atiku, we are gathering facts to engage Trump administration – US Lobby Firm
I will revive Calabar Port, restore Cross River tourism – Peter Obi
FCCPC shuts down food firms after oil, salt samples fail fortification tests
NYSC abduction trial: Two defendants deny involvement, beg court for release
‘He hasn’t resumed office, yet he’s tired’ — Oshiomhole takes dig at Obi after exhaustion report
‘There Is No Shaking’ — Atiku reacts to Court judgment, vows to continue ADC campaign, says APC afraid after Sokoto rally
BREAKING: Atiku candidacy voided as Court sacks David Mark-Led ADC leadership, recognises Nafiu Gombe as party chairman
How Peter Obi’s convoy was attacked in Calabar – Details Emerge
FG unveils five digital banks to receive N50,000 monthly cash support
“We cannot allow Peter Obi to fund the election alone” — Aisha Yesufu seeks donations for Obi-Kwankwaso
Atiku tsunami as ADC holds successful presidential campaign rally in Sokoto
Petrol rises to N1,370 per litre as depots increase prices
2027: Atiku arrives Sokoto for ADC Presidential campaign flag-off (Photos)
After Sokoto rally, Tinubu officials held late night meeting to plot judgement against Atiku, we are gathering facts to engage Trump administration – US Lobby Firm
DSS counters Atiku, says two operatives hurt while protecting Sokoto ADC guber candidate; arrested, jailed man who threatened Obi
2027: Atiku heads to Sokoto for ADC Presidential campaign flag-off
Nafiu Gombe celebrates nullification of David Mark-led excos, releases official portrait as ADC chairman
2027: Mammoth crowd welcomes Obi, Kwankwaso to Calabar for Town Hall meeting
Tension as Obi/Kwankwaso supporters clash with APC supporters in Calabar, police intervene
“They Are Making Him More Popular” — Reactions trail nullification of Atiku, other ADC candidacies
