Omar Artan to Officiate 2026 UEFA Super Cup Despite World Cup Visa Denial, Says UEFA
Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied a U.S. visa for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has been confirmed as one of the officials for the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, according to UEFA. The decision comes amid ongoing scrutiny of FIFA president Gianni Infantino following allegations of bias in the referee selection process.
Artan, a FIFA-listed referee, was initially scheduled to officiate World Cup matches but was denied a U.S. visa in April 2024, according to U.S. embassy records. The U.S. government cited “national security concerns” in its refusal, though no further details were provided. Despite this, UEFA announced on May 15, 2024, that Artan would referee the 2026 Super Cup, a match between the winners of the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League and Europa League, scheduled for August 10, 2026, in Istanbul.
Infantino’s Response to Criticism: ‘Chill and Relax’
FIFA president Gianni Infantino faced backlash after comments attributed to him in *The Times* suggested a dismissive attitude toward concerns about the World Cup referee selection. A source close to Infantino told the outlet, “He said, ‘Chill and relax. We have everything under control.’” The statement was later retracted by the publication, which acknowledged the quote was based on an unnamed “senior FIFA figure.”
Infantino has not publicly addressed the visa issue, but FIFA’s technical director, Markus Krösche, stated in a May 2024 press conference that “referees are selected based on merit, not nationality.” The organization did not comment on Artan’s visa denial.
Context: Artan’s Career and the Broader Debate
Artan, 45, became the first Somali referee to be appointed to a FIFA World Cup in 2022. His exclusion from the 2026 tournament has sparked debates about transparency in FIFA’s selection process. In a May 2024 interview with *BBC Sport*, Artan said, “I respect the decision, but it’s frustrating. I’ve worked hard to reach this level.”
The visa controversy has also drawn comparisons to previous cases. In 2021, Kenyan referee Joseph Taylor was denied a U.S. visa for the 2022 World Cup, a decision later criticized by the African Confederation. UEFA’s decision to appoint Artan for the Super Cup highlights a contrast in how different governing bodies handle such disputes.
What’s Next for Artan and FIFA?
Artan’s inclusion in the Super Cup is seen as a partial redemption, but his eligibility for future World Cup assignments remains uncertain. FIFA has not outlined a process for appealing visa-related refusals, leaving players and officials in a legal gray area.
Meanwhile, critics argue that the incident underscores systemic challenges for African referees. A 2023 report by the International Centre for Sport Security found that only 12% of FIFA’s top-tier referees in 2022 were from Africa, despite the continent’s 54 nations.
Artan’s story is expected to remain in the spotlight as the 2026 World Cup approaches, with calls for greater transparency in both visa policies and refereeing appointments.