Somali referee Omar Artan is set to officiate the Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on Wednesday night, following a tumultuous incident that saw him barred from entering the United States for the 2026 World Cup.

At 34 years old, Artan faced denial of entry due to alleged connections to "suspected members of terror organisations," branding him a "national security threat." He described the experience as a devastating blow, stating that it destroyed "the biggest dream of my life" despite possessing the correct visa.

The refusal sparked significant outrage directed at the Trump administration and FIFA, highlighting failures in promises of inclusivity for the upcoming World Cup. Artan was not the only football figure to be denied entry, raising questions about the handling of such matters.

Gianni Infantino, FIFA's president, added to the controversy by dismissively telling a reporter to "chill, relax" when questioned about Artan's situation, igniting a summer of scandal that jeopardized Infantino’s position.

Upon returning to Somalia, Artan received a hero’s welcome and was later appointed to officiate the prestigious European match by UEFA. UEFA emphasized its commitment to values of unity, equality, and non-discrimination in selecting Artan, with President Aleksander Ceferin praising his experience and skills.

Artan, who became a FIFA referee in 2018, made history as the first Somali to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations in January 2024. He had also refereed the decisive leg of the African Champions League final in May, marking him as a prominent figure in African football before his opportunity at the World Cup was abruptly taken away.