Somali Referee Banned by US to Officiate European Super Cup
UEFA said the appointment follows talks with CAF and gives the 34-year-old referee a chance to oversee the Champions League and Europa League winners.
- UEFA has appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the UEFA Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on August 12 in Salzburg, following his removal from the FIFA World Cup roster.
- Artan was denied entry to the United States earlier this week while traveling to Miami for World Cup training, as U.S. Border and Customs Protection cited "vetting concerns" regarding Somalia's travel ban status.
- Following his removal, Artan expressed he was "very, very disappointed," while UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin defended the nomination, calling Artan an "excellent young but already experienced referee."
- CAF President Patrice Motsepe praised the decision, stating "Artan's appointment will make him the first African official to take charge of a major UEFA final," making the African Continent "extremely proud."
- Sources told ESPN it would be "impractical" for Artan to be based in Mexico or Canada for the World Cup, as match officials must remain in Miami for mandatory training and briefings.
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