Somali Referee Artan Returns to Spotlight after World Cup Setback

GOOBJOOG NEWS | KIGALI: Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has returned to the regional football spotlight after taking charge of the CECAFA Kagame Cup final in Kigali, just weeks after missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Artan officiated the final between Rwanda’s Rayon Sports and Kenya’s Gor Mahia, which Rayon Sports won 2-1.

His appointment is a notable moment for Somali football after Artan was unable to travel to the United States for the World Cup after being denied entry, despite being selected by FIFA as one of the tournament’s referees. He had been set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a men’s World Cup.

Artan’s selection for the Kagame Cup final suggests that the setback has not ended his international career. He has previously officiated major African competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA’s Under-20 World Cup.

For Somalia, his continued presence at high-level matches provides a rare source of international recognition for the country’s football sector, where limited resources and institutional challenges have constrained development.

His latest assignment also comes as Somali football authorities face scrutiny over their relationship with FIFA, making the visibility of one of the country’s leading referees particularly significant.

Artan’s return offers Somali football a positive moment as the country continues to build its football institutions, one of its officials remains trusted to oversee major matches in the region.