Somali referee Omar Artan has spoken out about having his World Cup dream shattered as he prepares to make history as the first non-European to referee the Uefa Super Cup on Wednesday in Salzburg.

The 34-year-old has established himself among African football’s top referees, becoming the first Somali to officiate a Confederation of African Football (Caf) Champions League final alongside being named Caf Men's Referee of the Year.

Although he was selected for this year's World Cup, Artan was turned away by US Customs and Border Protection despite holding a valid visa.

Reflecting on how the situation played out earlier this summer, Artan said: "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."

US president Donald Trump's strict immigration policies raised concerns at the World Cup, following Washington's implementation of a broad travel ban last year covering citizens of 12 nations, including Somalia.

An administration official stated that Artan was refused entry owing to his alleged connections to "suspected members of terror organizations".

Added to FIFA's international list of referees in 2018, Artan became the initial Somali official at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024.

Now a little over two months after being refused entry in the US, Artan is set to get his chance to officiate on one of the biggest stages in football.

Uefa stated that Artan's appointment stems from a cooperation agreement signed with Caf earlier this year to enhance collaboration.

In comments published by Uefa on Monday, CAF president Patrice Motsepe stated: "This is a great honour for Omar Artan and for African referees."

Artan believes his appointment shows that anything is possible as he looks to bounce back from missing out on the World Cup, which was co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.

"I believe that if I can succeed, anyone can," he said. "Don't ever stop dreaming."

Wednesday's match in Salzburg features Champions League winners Paris St Germain facing off against Europa League holders Aston Villa.