The 2026 UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg is already a historic occasion — but the man in the middle is drawing almost as much attention as the match itself.

Omar Artan, a 34-year-old Somali referee, has been appointed to take charge of the fixture. It marks the first time a non-European official has been selected to referee the UEFA Super Cup.

Who is Omar Artan?

Artan is a CAF-registered international referee who joined FIFA's international panel of match officials in 2018. Six years later, he became the first Somali official ever to referee at the Africa Cup of Nations — a landmark moment for Somali football.

His rise continued in 2025, when he was named the CAF Men's Referee of the Year, recognised for his performances across continental competitions. He also took charge of the second leg of the CAF Champions League Final, cementing his reputation as one of Africa's finest officials.

Why is a CAF referee officiating a UEFA match?