Omar Artan has become one of the most talked-about referees of the summer, not because of controversial decisions on the pitch, but because he could not officiate at the World Cup.
US authorities denied the Somali referee entry into the country, preventing him from taking part in the tournament. UEFA later gave him another major opportunity by appointing him to referee the UEFA Super Cup.
A historic appointment for Omar Artan
Missing the World Cup proved difficult for the 34-year-old referee, who admitted that it was “a difficult period” for him. However, he received messages of support from around the world and said he felt extremely grateful for the encouragement.
His UEFA Super Cup appointment now offers him a historic opportunity, as he will become the first non-European referee to officiate the competition. Artan also welcomed the cooperation between CAF and UEFA, praising the high level of European refereeing and explaining that African referees can learn a lot from their European counterparts.
“Never stop dreaming”
Artan will officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain, the Champions League winners, and Aston Villa, the Europa League winners, in Salzburg. The appointment has generated huge excitement within his family and among the Somali community in Europe, particularly in Austria.
“When I learned that I was going to referee this match, my family and I were overjoyed,” he said. Artan also sent an inspiring message to aspiring referees: “If I made it, everyone can make it. You have to do what you love and never stop dreaming. If you want to become a referee, go for it! Never give up and work hard.”
