{
  "id": 796592,
  "title": "UEFA Super Cup was my World Cup – Somali referee",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/uefa-super-cup-was-my-world-cup-somali-referee-796592",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-13T19:20:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/uefa-super-cup-was-my-world-cup-somali-referee/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "Somali referee Omar Artan, denied entry to the World Cup, describes officiating the UEFA Super Cup as his ‘World Cup’. Read his inspiring story. Read More: https://punchng.com/uefa-super-cup-was-my-world-cup-somali-referee/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 6,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "World Cup Play-off: Nigeria’s Super Falcons in redemption mission against South Africa",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/world-cup-play-off-nigerias-super-falcons-in-redemption-mission",
        "published": "2026-08-13T06:21:59.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Premium Times",
        "title": "South Africa vs Nigeria PREVIEW: Super Falcons face do-or-die World Cup showdown",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/south-africa-vs-nigeria-preview-super-falcons-face-do-or-die-world",
        "published": "2026-08-13T13:44:39.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "FCC boss urges Super Falcons to focus on World Cup ticket",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/fcc-boss-urges-super-falcons-to-focus-on-world-cup-ticket",
        "published": "2026-08-13T15:43:08.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "SABC News",
        "title": "Banyana to take on Nigeria in grueling World Cup qualifier playoffs",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/banyana-to-take-on-nigeria-in-grueling-world-cup-qualifier-playoffs",
        "published": "2026-08-13T18:04:28.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "‘This was my World Cup’ says Somali ref after Uefa Super Cup",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/this-was-my-world-cup-says-somali-ref-after-uefa-super-cup",
        "published": "2026-08-13T21:24:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}