Omar Artan 'very happy' to referee Super Cup after World Cup frustration

According to The Guardian, Somali referee Omar Artan has spoken publicly for the first time about the disappointment of being refused entry to the United States in June, which cost him the chance to officiate at the World Cup. Instead, the 34-year-old will take charge of Wednesday’s Uefa Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg.

Uefa awarded Artan the fixture just days after his World Cup exclusion. He is set to become the first non-European official to referee the season’s showpiece between the Champions League and Europa League winners.

Artan described his reaction to the appointment. "When we got this call it was, for me and my family, really a very, very happy moment," he said. "There’s a big Somali community in Europe and in Austria and they are over the moon with me officiating a match like this."

The match will be played in Salzburg, with PSG and Aston Villa contesting the trophy. Related highlights from the Super Cup will be available on this site after the final whistle.