The unfortunate African judge thanked Ceferin and his entourage

A Somali referee, Omar Artan, has expressed gratitude to UEFA for allowing him to officiate a Champions League Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, after he was barred from attending the recent FIFA World Cup in North America due to security concerns. The 34-year-old official, who had been selected as one of Africa’s top referees, wrote his message on one of the match balls used during the game, which ended with a 2-1 victory for PSG. Artan was originally scheduled to take charge of several matches at the World Cup held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. However, just before the tournament began, authorities in the host countries denied him entry, citing concerns over his alleged connections to individuals suspected of involvement with terrorist organizations. This decision prevented him from participating in what would have been a major international sporting event. Despite this setback, UEFA extended an invitation to Artan to referee the Super Cup final, which took place on August 13, 2026, in Salzburg. The match featured the reigning champions of both the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League, making it a high-profile contest. Artan accepted the opportunity, marking a significant moment in his career and providing him with a platform to demonstrate his abilities on a global stage. The referee’s message, written directly on the ball, reflected his deep appreciation for the chance to participate in such a prestigious match. He described the experience as akin to having attended the World Cup himself, acknowledging UEFA's role in enabling his participation despite the earlier restrictions. His words were captured by media present at the event and later shared widely online. Artan’s selection for the Super Cup was not only a personal milestone but also highlighted the broader issue of how officials from certain regions face scrutiny based on their nationalities or perceived affiliations. While UEFA did not comment publicly on the specific reasons behind its decision to invite Artan, the move underscored its commitment to inclusivity and fairness in selecting officials for major tournaments. Prior to the Super Cup, Artan had already established himself as a respected figure in African football refereeing circles. His appointment to the match came amid ongoing discussions within European football about the representation and recognition of officials from diverse backgrounds. The incident also raised questions about the criteria used by host nations to assess the eligibility of foreign officials entering their territories for international competitions. Following the match, Artan’s message continued to circulate among fans and media outlets, drawing attention to the challenges faced by referees from countries with complex political and security landscapes. His acknowledgment of UEFA’s support emphasized the importance of institutional backing in overcoming such obstacles and ensuring equal opportunities for all qualified professionals. In the days following the match, UEFA confirmed that it had reviewed Artan’s credentials thoroughly before extending the invitation. Officials stressed that the decision was based solely on his professional qualifications and performance record. They reiterated their stance on promoting diversity and inclusion within the sport, emphasizing that talent and capability should remain the primary factors in selecting officials for high-level matches. As the season progresses, the focus will likely shift toward evaluating the impact of such decisions on the broader landscape of international football governance. Referees like Artan continue to play a crucial role in shaping the integrity and fairness of the game, and their experiences highlight the need for continuous dialogue and policy refinement to address systemic challenges.