Omar Artan will make history in the Supercup when he becomes the first non-European referee to take charge of the UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg.
The appointment adds another notable step to the 34-year-old Somali official’s rise, which has already included several firsts over the past 18 months. Artan was added to FIFA's international list of match officials in 2018, became the first Somali to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024, and later the first Somali to oversee a CAF Champions League final in 2024.
A landmark appointment for UEFA and CAF
The latest milestone comes after UEFA and CAF signed a memorandum of understanding at the end of April aimed at encouraging cooperation between the two confederations. That backdrop gives Artan’s appointment added meaning, especially with UEFA and CAF working more closely on referee development and football ties.
Dr Patrice Motsepe said the selection is "a great honour for Omar Artan and for African referees" and called it "an excellent example of football bringing together and uniting people." Artan himself said he is "honoured to be appointed for this huge match" and thanked UEFA, the CAF president and everyone at CAF for the support.
Artan’s path to this point has been anything but simple. He has spoken about a difficult upbringing, including the tragic death of his father when he was young and being brought up apart from his mother. He also began refereeing after a minor playing injury pushed him toward officiating. In his own words, "It was a very tough period," but he also said he was grateful for the support he received around the world and proud of how hard he worked to reach this level.
The UEFA Super Cup appointment also fits a broader pattern of progress. Artan was selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and, after receiving the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year Award 2025, his profile has continued to rise on the international stage. He described the UEFA and CAF partnership as valuable for referees, saying the standard in Europe is fantastic and that both sides can learn from each other.
For Artan, the Salzburg assignment will also be a personal first. He said, "This will be my first match in Europe," adding that "having adventures, making memories and learning new things is always great." For UEFA, it is a historic appointment. For Artan, it is another sign of a decade-long climb that has repeatedly broken new ground.
