REFEREE Omar Artan was at the centre of huge controversy during the World Cup.

The Somali official was and axed from the tournament.

Gabon vs Ivory Coast Group F - 2025 Africa Cup Of NationsOmar Artan was banned from entering the US for the World Cup Credit: Getty WCup-Ref Denied Entry SoccerArtan will now take charge of the Super Cup clash between PSG and Aston Villa Credit: AP

Artan’s denial caused global outrage, but Fifa president urged critics to “chill”.

The 34-year-old was then handed the chance to between PSG and Aston Villa by Uefa.

Why was referee Omar Artan banned from entering the United States?

A statement from Donald Trump’s administration said upon an investigation they found “derogatory information, including association with “.

Artan had secured a visa and diplomatic passport but was denied entry.

He later revealed he was subjected to an 11-hour immigration interview and was not told the reason for his ban before being sent home.

Artan told the New York Times: “I am very, very disappointed.

“I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa.

“I’m just simply a who’s trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup.”

What has been said ahead of the Super Cup?

On his appointment for the versus Aston Villa game, Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said: “Omar Artan is an excellent young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football.

“Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which had earned him such a prestigious nomination.”

African Football president Dr Patrice Motsepe, added: “Omar Artan has made Somalia and the entire people of the African Continent, extremely proud.

“His receipt of the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year Award 2025 and his appointment as a referee of the Fifa are a recognition of his world-class refereeing ability and the international respect that he enjoys.

“I am very thankful to my friend, Aleksander Ceferin for enabling Omar Artan to officiate the UEFA Super Cup 2026 match.

“This is a great honour for Omar Artan and for African referees and is also an excellent example of football, bringing together and uniting people from Africa and Europe and worldwide.”