By Hassan Adan
Somali international referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has received another prestigious international appointment after being selected to officiate the final match of the Zain Premier League season in Kuwait.
According to the Kuwait Football Association, Artan will take charge of the highly anticipated title-deciding clash between Kuwait SC and Qadsia SC scheduled for June 29, 2026.
The fixture is one of the most significant matches on the Kuwaiti football calendar and is expected to attract widespread attention across the Gulf region.
The appointment marks yet another milestone for the Somali referee, who has continued to earn recognition from football governing bodies around the world for his consistent performances and professionalism.
The Somali Football Federation (SFF) welcomed the development, describing it as a proud moment for Somalia and a reflection of the growing reputation of Somali referees on the international stage.
Artan’s latest assignment comes shortly after UEFA appointed him to officiate the UEFA Super Cup showdown between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, a match regarded as one of the most prestigious fixtures in European club football.
In 2025, Artan was named the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Referee of the Year, becoming the first Somali referee to receive the continental honour. He has since officiated several high-profile CAF competitions, including major continental club and international matches.
The Kuwait appointment also comes weeks after Artan was unable to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States despite being selected among the tournament’s match officials.
The referee was denied entry into the U.S., forcing him to miss what would have been another historic moment in his career.
Despite the setback, FIFA later confirmed that Artan would receive the full remuneration allocated to tournament officials, acknowledging that his absence resulted from circumstances beyond his control.
His continued selection for major assignments by FIFA, UEFA, CAF and national football associations is widely viewed as evidence that his standing within international football remains stronger than ever.
Artan became a FIFA-listed referee in 2018 and has steadily risen through the ranks to become one of Africa’s most respected match officials.
His achievements have brought international attention to Somali football and inspired a new generation of referees across the country.
Football analysts say the appointment to officiate the Zain Premier League title decider between Kuwait SC and Qadsia SC further demonstrates the confidence that football authorities continue to place in the Somali referee’s abilities.
As he prepares for another major assignment abroad, Artan remains one of Somalia’s most celebrated sporting figures and a symbol of the country’s growing presence in global football.
