An African referee denied entry to the US has been invited to officiate the European Super Cup match.

UEFA has extended a special chance to Somali official Omar Artan, naming him as the referee for the 2026 European Super Cup featuring PSG and Aston Villa, shortly after the controversy where he was denied entry into the US for his World Cup 2026 assignment.

The referee denied entry by the US has been granted a major honor by UEFA.

Omar Artan, aged 34, is regarded as one of Africa's top referees today. However, he unexpectedly became the center of attention after being refused entry into the US despite reportedly holding a valid visa.

The incident occurred at Miami International Airport, amid Somalia being on a list of 12 countries subject to travel restrictions imposed by the administration of President Donald Trump. FIFA President Gianni Infantino later acknowledged he could not intervene to alter the decision of US authorities.

The case sparked significant debate within international football. Somali officials called on the global football community to voice support for the referee, and UEFA took a meaningful step by deciding to assign Artan to officiate the European Super Cup match between PSG and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, on August 12.

According to UEFA, the appointment decision was made following discussions with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin stated: “Football was born to connect people. UEFA wants to show respect for Omar and his excellent refereeing abilities, which secured him the prestigious nomination earlier. I also thank CAF President Patrice Motsepe for his enthusiastic support of this initiative.”

For his part, CAF President Patrice Motsepe affirmed that Artan has made all of Africa proud. He emphasized that being assigned to referee the European Super Cup is a great honor not only for Omar Artan personally but for the entire refereeing community in Africa. “This is a wonderful testament to the power of football to connect and unite people from Africa, Europe, and around the world,” Motsepe said.

After returning to his homeland, Omar Artan received a warm welcome in the capital Mogadishu. Thousands of Somalis took to the streets to celebrate the referee, regarded as a source of pride for the nation's football.

Being entrusted by UEFA to officiate one of Europe's most prestigious club matches is seen as deserving recognition for Omar Artan, while also sending a strong message about the solidarity and openness that football always strives for.