UEFA uses Somali referee Omar Artan to deliver a fresh blow to FIFA

The escalating institutional conflict between UEFA and FIFA has spilled directly onto the pitch, with European football’s governing body taking another bold step by officially inviting Somali referee Omar Artan to its prestigious pre-season refereeing summit in Geneva.

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A defiant Super Cup assignment

The growing divide between UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and FIFA leadership recently crystallized in Salzburg on 12 August.

UEFA appointed Artan to officiate the UEFA Super Cup showdown between Champions League winners Paris Saint Germain and Europa League champions Aston Villa.

The high profile assignment carried heavy political significance, directly challenging FIFA's prior decision to exclude the Somali official from the refereeing roster for the World Cup in the United States.

Joining Europe's elite in Geneva

According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, UEFA and its Referees Committee, headed by Roberto Rosetti, have doubled down on their support for Artan.

The federation has formally issued a special invitation for the African referee to participate in UEFA’s primary seasonal seminar ahead of the European club competition group stages.

Hosted at UEFA headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, from 31 August to 2 September, the summit establishes the technical, disciplinary and VAR guidelines for the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League.

Geneva refereeing summit breakdown:

• 35 Elite Category Referees: Europe’s highest tier match officials.
• 61 First Category Referees: Top continental tier
• Special Guest of Honor: Omar Artan (Somalia)

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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Aston Villa

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