# Somali referee Artan calls Super Cup his ‘World Cup’ after US ban 2026-08-13T19:15:31+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Sportstar reports that Somali referee Omar Artan, 34, officiated the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg on Wednesday, calling it his 'World Cup'. Artan was part of FIFA's panel of referees for the 2026 World Cup but was denied entry to the United States at Miami airport. A US State Department official told AFP that Artan was 'associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations', making him ineligible. Artan denied the allegation and was welcomed as a hero in Somalia. UEFA invited Artan after the US rejection, citing a recent cooperation agreement with CAF. PSG won the match 2-1. Artan thanked UEFA and CAF on social media, calling the opportunity his World Cup. UEFA’s move is seen as a political gesture against FIFA, amid a row over plans to open World Cup to private investors. ## Coverage - sportstar.thehindu.com Tags: FIFA, Omar Artan, Somalia, UEFA Super Cup, US visa denial, World Cup Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/somali-referee-artan-calls-super-cup-his-world-cup-after-us-ban/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/somali-referee-artan-calls-super-cup-his-world-cup-after-us-ban/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.