DOHA – BEIN Sports analyst Osman Shuwaal has welcomed the appointment of Somali referee Cumar Cartan (Omar Abdulkadir Artan) to officiate the UEFA Super Cup final, calling it a powerful example of resilience following earlier professional setbacks.
Shuwaal said Artan’s career trajectory demonstrates perseverance after he was previously denied entry to the United States, a decision that reportedly disrupted his involvement in international football duties linked to World Cup preparations. Despite that setback, he said, the referee has continued to progress within UEFA’s elite officiating structure.
In comments shared on social media, Shuwaal said the development reflects the idea that “when one door closes, another opens,” adding that it should serve as motivation for young Africans pursuing careers in sport. He also cited a Quranic verse: “Perhaps you dislike something while it is good for you, and perhaps you love something while it is bad for you. Allah knows while you do not know.”
UEFA has reportedly appointed Artan to referee the Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Austria in August. The match is among Europe’s most prestigious fixtures, typically assigned to referees with strong continental experience.
If confirmed, Artan would become the first Somali referee to take charge of a UEFA Super Cup final, marking a milestone for Somali representation in top-level international football.
The decision has generated widespread reaction online, with many praising his rise through European competitions and describing the appointment as a significant achievement for Somali sport.
