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Ahead of a landmark moment in international football, Somali referee Omar Artan urged aspiring officials to “never stop dreaming” as he prepared to become the first non-European referee to take charge of the UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg, Austria. Speaking in an official UEFA interview prior to Wednesday’s showpiece at the Red Bull Arena, the 34-year-old official reflected on his personal journey from refereeing neighborhood matches in Somalia to officiating elite European clubs Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa. He encouraged up-and-coming match officials across the globe to pursue their ambitions relentlessly, emphasizing that perseverance can overcome even the most formidable professional obstacles.
Artan’s inspirational message resonates deeply following a challenging summer in which he was unable to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to border entry restrictions in North America. Rather than letting the setback derail his career, Artan maintained his rigorous training regime, taking charge of domestic league matches in Somalia as well as high-profile fixtures in the Kuwaiti Premier League. His dedication caught the attention of European football administrators, leading to a historic appointment under a technical cooperation framework signed between the Confederation of African Football and UEFA.
Reflecting on his path to the top, Artan credited hard work, structured tactical preparation, and unwavering resilience for his professional development. Having lost his father at a young age and faced significant adversity during his youth, he transitioned from playing to officiating after a minor injury. Since joining the FIFA international list in 2018, Artan has broken multiple records, becoming the first Somali to officiate an Africa Cup of Nations match and earning the 2025 CAF Men’s Referee of the Year award. He noted that his historic selection in Europe serves as a testament to the rising technical standards of African officiating.
Before stepping onto the pitch for the season-opening fixture, which Paris Saint-Germain ultimately won 2–1, Artan emphasized that his journey demonstrates that background should never limit potential. He expressed gratitude for the widespread support he received from the global football community and the Somali diaspora in Europe. Reaffirming his message to future generations, the Somali referee Omar Artan urged aspiring officials to “never stop dreaming” and to remain committed to fairness and self-improvement regardless of the circumstances. His groundbreaking performance in Salzburg stands as an enduring inspiration for sports professionals throughout Africa and beyond.