Omar Artan, the Somali referee, expressed his gratitude and pride as he prepares to officiate the Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on Wednesday. This opportunity comes after he was denied entry to the US for the World Cup, a situation that has sparked significant discussion.

Artan's appointment by Uefa marks a significant milestone, as he becomes the first non-European official to lead this prestigious annual competition between the Champions League winners and the Europa League champions. He shared his joy, stating, “When we got this call it was, for me and my family, really a very, very happy moment.” He highlighted the excitement within the large Somali community in Europe and Austria, who are thrilled about his role in this match.

The referee faced a challenging period after being denied entry at Miami International Airport on June 6, which drew attention to the travel ban affecting Somalia. Fifa president Gianni Infantino indicated he could not intervene in the decision made by the Trump administration. Artan reflected on this tough time, saying, “It was a very tough period... I really appreciate the support I received throughout the world.”

To prepare for the Super Cup, Artan has officiated league games in Somalia and the Kuwaiti Premier League. He emphasized the importance of preparation, stating, “We referees go through a lot of preparation in terms of getting to know the teams.”

He will be supported by two fellow African officials, Liban Abdoulrazack Ahmed from Djibouti and Stephen Eleazar Onyango Yiembe from Kenya, further highlighting the representation of African referees in this high-profile event.