Omar Artan

thumb Omar Abdulkadir Artan (born 6 June 1992) is a Somali football referee. Artan was the first referee from Somalia to take charge of a continental final, overseeing Egyptian side Pyramids FC's 2024–25 CAF Champions League triumph over South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns in Cairo. He has also officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He was the sole representative from Sub-Saharan Africa to officiate at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Quotes It was a very tough period, A lot of people have sympathy for me, because when someone has been working a lot of years and is supposed to do something, and then can’t do it, it’s very challenging. I really appreciate the support I received throughout the world, though; I’m so grateful. I was lucky, but I have worked very hard to be here and I’m really proud, As you can imagine, I grew up in a difficult situation, but it didn’t prevent me from pursuing my dreams. This will be my first match in Europe. Having adventures, making memories and learning new things is always great. For me, it’s fantastic that CAF is working with UEFA, the best confederation in the world for referees. The standard in Europe is fantastic and the football they play is very, very good. I believe that CAF referees can learn a lot from UEFA, and UEFA referees can also learn a lot from CAF. It’s mutually beneficial. I’m honoured to be appointed for this huge match. I want to say a big thank you to UEFA, as well as to the CAF president and everybody at CAF. When we got this call it was, for me and my family, really a very, very happy moment,There’s a big Somali community in Europe and in Austria, and they are over the moon with me officiating a match like this. I believe that if I can succeed, anyone can. You can do whatever you want to do. We referees go through a lot of preparation in terms of getting to know the teams, I always watch the teams play. I like watching European football anyway but, regardless, I go through and do a lot of research on the teams, how they play, learn their behaviours, tactics and a lot of things like that. Omar Artan: 'Don't ever stop dreaming', Auust 11 2026 What happened has happened and it was unfortunate. I am grateful for the support Fifa gave me. Somalia is ours, whether things are good or bad. I want to tell our youth not to lose hope in our country. I am now in my country, and there is no other place I want to be. I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one, I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident. Omar Artan given hero’s welcome in Somalia after referee’s US entry blocked, June 10 2026 External links Category:Sportspeople from Somalia Category:Living people Category:1992 births Category:Referees and umpires