Somali referee denied visa by the United States appointed to officiate UEFA Super Cup.

UEFA has officially announced that Omar Artan, the Somali referee who was previously denied entry to the United States due to the travel ban, will serve as the referee for the UEFA Super Cup final in Salzburg on August 12.

Altan will officiate the match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa. The 34-year-old Altan is considered one of Africa's best football referees. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, he was denied entry at Miami International Airport despite holding a valid visa.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that FIFA has no right to overturn the US government's decision, as Somalia is one of the 12 countries on the US government's travel ban list.

This incident sparked widespread controversy. After Somali officials appealed for support from the football community, UEFA communicated with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and ultimately decided to entrust the officiating rights for this major European match to Altan.

UEFA President Ceferin stated that football's role is to connect people, and this gesture was to express respect for Altan and his excellent refereeing abilities. CAF President Motsepe also expressed high praise, considering it an honor for African referees and an excellent example of football uniting people globally.

On Wednesday, Altan returned to Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, where he was warmly welcomed by thousands of locals. This appointment by UEFA gives the referee, who failed to make it to the World Cup, the opportunity to prove himself on the European stage.

Image source: Internet