UEFA Super Cup was my World Cup – Somali referee

Somali referee Omar Artan has lauded his role in officiating the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa as his "World Cup" experience. The 34-year-old had been part of FIFA's panel of referees for the World Cup but was denied entry to the United States, where he was scheduled to take part in the tournament. In response, UEFA extended an invitation for Artan to officiate the Super Cup in Salzburg, where Paris Saint-Germain emerged victorious over Aston Villa with a scoreline of 2-1.

On Thursday, UEFA shared an image on X showcasing the match ball from the fixture, adorned with the inscription: "This was my World Cup." UEFA captioned the post, "A special Super Cup souvenir from Omar Artan." Artan was barred from participating in the World Cup due to US authorities alleging he was "associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations," rendering him ineligible for admission to the United States.

Despite these allegations, Artan vehemently denied them, which sparked widespread outrage in Somalia, where he is widely regarded as a hero following his return. The opportunity to officiate a high-profile international fixture despite missing the World Cup provided a significant boost to Artan's refereeing career. In a message on Instagram, Artan expressed his gratitude towards UEFA and the Confederation of African Football for their support, stating, "Thanks to everyone who made this possible."

The assignment marked a pivotal moment in Artan's refereeing journey, offering him the chance to officiate on one of the most prestigious stages in European football.