FIFA International Referee

OMAR ABDULKADIR ARTAN

Africa’s Best Referee. First Somali at the World Cup. A Story Bigger Than Sport.

CAF Referee of the Year 2025 2026 FIFA World Cup Selected 2026 UEFA Super Cup Referee
Partnership Inquiries → His Story
Omar Artan in FIFA referee kit
1B+
Impressions
50 to 80M
Super Cup Viewers
15+
Tier 1 Features
50+
Countries

The Story

From Mogadishu’s dusty pitches to the world’s biggest stages.

Born in Mogadishu in 1992, Omar Abdulkadir Artan grew up chasing football dreams where resources were scarce and opportunities even scarcer. What began as a passion for the game transformed into a calling, not as a player, but as the one entrusted to uphold its integrity.

Since earning his FIFA badge in 2018, Omar has shattered every glass ceiling for Somali officiating. He became the first Somali referee to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations, the first to take charge of a CAF Champions League final, and the first ever selected for a FIFA World Cup.

“His story transcended sport and became a global conversation about representation, merit, and what happens when excellence meets injustice.”

When he was denied entry to the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Omar’s story became a global flashpoint. He returned home to a hero’s welcome, thousands packed a Mogadishu stadium, the Somali President received him personally, and UEFA responded by appointing him to referee the 2026 Super Cup final.

Omar Artan at CAF Awards 2025
CAF Awards 2025 · Rabat, Morocco

Career

Every milestone a first. Every first a barrier broken.

2018Becomes FIFA-listed international referee
2024First Somali referee at the Africa Cup of Nations
2025First Somali to officiate a CAF Champions League final
2025Crowned CAF Men’s Referee of the Year
2025Sole Sub-Saharan African referee at FIFA U-20 World Cup
2026Selected as first Somali referee for a FIFA World Cup
2026Appointed to referee UEFA Super Cup final (PSG vs Aston Villa)
2026First African referee in UEFA Super Cup history
Omar Artan CAF Referee of the Year ceremony

Global Coverage

Every major outlet. One story.

ESPN BBC Sport Al Jazeera NPR Sky Sports Newsweek NBC News CBC News Reuters The Guardian UEFA.com Yahoo Sports

“Omar Artan has made Somalia and the entire people of the African Continent extremely proud.”

, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, CAF President

Omar Artan Best CAF Referee 2025

Global Endorsements

Backed by world leaders and sports icons.

Omar’s story drew public support from heads of state, global health leaders, and sports figures, a level of endorsement rarely seen for any athlete.

Hillary Clinton

Former U.S. Secretary of State

“The U.S. shouldn’t be flippantly barring officials from entering the country to do their jobs. It’s terribly backward.”

Olivia Chow

Mayor of Toronto

“Denying entry to Omar Artan is not right. Toronto believes in fairness, inclusion, and giving talent the opportunity to shine.”

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

WHO Director-General

“Omar Artan made history as Africa’s best. That milestone stands no matter what. This won’t be the end of your story.”

Ian Wright

Arsenal Legend · 2M+ Followers

“Is this how the hosts behave for the greatest tournament in the world? Every few hours it’s another story.”

David Eby

Premier of British Columbia

“Mr. Artan would be welcomed and celebrated in British Columbia for what he’s overcome and where he is today.”

Rep. Ilhan Omar

U.S. Congresswoman (D-MN)

“This is a shameful decision. Omar Artan’s story and talent will be celebrated long after this administration leaves office.”

Also endorsed by: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud · Former President Farmaajo · Former PM Hassan Ali Khaire · Djibouti Finance Minister Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh · UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin

For Brands

Partnership opportunities.

Brand Ambassadorship

Long-term alignment with Omar’s story of resilience and excellence. Ideal for sportswear, lifestyle, and values-driven brands.

Campaign & Content

Sponsored content, match-day storytelling, and behind-the-scenes access across Instagram and short-form video reaching 50+ countries.

Event & Speaking

Keynote speaking, football clinics, community events, and tournament ambassadorship with a global audience.

Global & Diaspora

Authentic reach into 3.5B+ global football fans and the Somali diaspora. Ideal for fintech, telecom, and travel brands.

Cause & Impact

CSR and purpose-driven campaigns around diversity in sport, youth development, and African football.

Licensing & Merch

Co-branded products and signature items tied to major tournament moments like the UEFA Super Cup.

Get In Touch

Let’s build something together.

For partnership inquiries, campaign proposals, speaking engagements, and media requests.

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Instagram

@omar_artan
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Next Appearance

UEFA Super Cup · Aug 12, 2026

Omar Artan portrait