UEFA announced that Omar Artan, a Somali referee denied entry to the US for the World Cup, will officiate the Super Cup final between Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain in Salzburg on 12 August. Artan was removed from the World Cup roster after US authorities barred him at Miami airport.
UEFA's appointment of Omar Artan to the Super Cup final is a direct response to the US denial that ended his World Cup hopes. As The Zioneer reported on June 9, Artan was barred from entering the US at Miami International Airport, leading FIFA to remove him from the 2026 World Cup officiating roster. FIFA President Infantino later told critics to 'chill' over the incident, while the White House defended the denial citing visa security concerns. Artan, the Confederation of African Football's referee of the year in 2025, will now take charge of the August 12 match in Salzburg between Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain. The Super Cup pits the winners of the Champions League and Europa League. The exact reason for Artan's US entry denial has not been confirmed by the US government.
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