Omar Artan, a referee from Somalia, is preparing to officiate the UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa. This appointment follows a period of disappointment for Artan, who was denied entry into the United States to officiate at the World Cup.
The Super Cup fixture, scheduled for Wednesday in Salzburg, marks a significant milestone as Artan will be the first non-European official to take charge of UEFA’s annual competition. He expressed his joy, stating that receiving the call for this match was a very happy moment for him and his family. Artan also noted the excitement within the large Somali community in Europe and Austria regarding his participation.
Artan’s exclusion from the World Cup occurred on June 6 when he was denied entry at Miami international airport. This decision placed him at the center of a controversy, with reports indicating that the FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, suggested he could not override the US administration’s decision. Somalia is among several countries on a travel ban list implemented by the United States.
Reflecting on the experience, Artan described it as a very challenging period. He acknowledged the widespread sympathy he received globally and expressed his gratitude for the support.
Preparation and trailblazing career
To prepare for the Super Cup match at the Red Bull Arena, Artan has been officiating league games in Somalia and the Kuwaiti Premier League. He emphasized his thorough preparation process, which involves researching teams’ playing styles, behaviors, and tactics. He stated that he always watches the teams play and conducts extensive research.
Artan’s career has been marked by several pioneering achievements. He became the first Somali to oversee a Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Champions League final. Following this, he received the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year Award. He was also added to FIFA’s international list of match officials in 2018 and became the first Somali to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations.
His journey in refereeing began early in life, stemming from a minor playing injury that solidified his ambition to become an official. He progressed from informal neighborhood games to organized school fixtures before officiating in the Somali league. Artan credits CAF for their support and recognition throughout his career, stating that his achievements would not have been possible without them.
The appointment of Artan to officiate the Super Cup is part of a broader cooperation agreement between UEFA and CAF. This memorandum of understanding, signed earlier this year, aims to enhance collaboration between the two governing bodies, including in the area of refereeing.
Artan will be assisted by two other African officials: Liban Abdoulrazack Ahmed from Djibouti and Stephen Eleazar Onyango Yiembe from Kenya. The decision to appoint Artan was made at the beginning of June, shortly after his return from the United States.
A message of perseverance
Despite the challenges, Artan remains focused on his goals. He views his appointment to the Super Cup as a great honor for himself and for African referees, a sentiment echoed by Dr. Patrice Motsepe, CAF president, who highlighted it as an excellent example of football uniting people.
Artan expressed his enthusiasm for officiating his first match in Europe, seeing it as an opportunity for new adventures, memories, and learning. He also praised the collaboration between CAF and UEFA, noting the high standards of European football and refereeing. He believes that both CAF and UEFA referees can benefit mutually from this exchange.
He shared an inspiring message for aspiring referees: “I believe that if I can succeed, anyone can. You can do whatever you want to do. Don’t ever stop dreaming. If you want to be a referee, it’s the best thing that you can do. So go after it and do it, and don’t stop, regardless of what happens and irrespective of people preventing you from doing your job.” He further advised aspiring officials to learn new things daily, refine their skills, and prioritize fairness and consistency.
Artan’s determination to perform at his best for the Super Cup is evident in his continued commitment to staying sharp by refereeing various league games.
The UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa is scheduled for Wednesday.
Source: theguardian.com
