Somalia's Omar Artan enters European Super Cup history

Somali referee Omar Artan has written himself into UEFA Super Cup history as the first official from outside Europe to take charge of a match in the competition.

The 34-year-old arrives off the back of a landmark year, having been crowned the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) best men's referee for 2025.

His appointment carries extra weight. Artan was denied the chance to officiate at the 2026 World Cup after the United States refused him entry, with Somalia sitting on the list of countries facing a ban.

Paris Saint-Germain against Aston Villa in Salzburg will be the first match Artan officiates on European soil. It hands him the platform to make his mark on UEFA Super Cup history with an unprecedented achievement.

Artan reflected on the setback in an interview with UEFA's website, "Many people expressed their sympathy with me, because when you work for many long years to achieve a certain goal, and then you cannot achieve it in the end, it is extremely difficult. I greatly appreciate the support I received from all over the world. I am truly grateful."