The 34-year-old referee had been selected to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but was unable to participate after being denied entry into the United States upon arriving at Miami International Airport on June 6, despite holding a valid visa.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Artan was denied entry due to concerns over the verification of his information, without providing further details. FIFA later confirmed that he would not be able to officiate at the World Cup.

"It was a very difficult period,” Artan told UEFA.com, reflecting on the disappointment of missing the tournament after years of preparation.

Five days after he was denied entry to the United States, UEFA appointed Artan to officiate the Super Cup following discussions with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Artan said the appointment brought great joy to his family and Somali communities across Europe, particularly those in Austria, and expressed his gratitude for the widespread international support he received.

The match will mark Artan’s first refereeing assignment in Europe. He joined the FIFA international referees’ list in 2018 and became the first Somali referee to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024.

He later became the first Somali referee to officiate a CAF Champions League final and was named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025.

Reflecting on his journey, Artan encouraged aspiring referees to pursue their ambitions despite challenges, saying his own achievements demonstrate that success is possible with determination and perseverance.

UEFA said Artan’s appointment comes under a cooperation agreement signed between UEFA and CAF earlier this year aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two continental football governing bodies.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe described the appointment as a major honour for Artan and African referees, according to comments published by UEFA.

Omar Artan to Make History as First Non-European Referee to Officiate UEFA Super Cup — SONN