Cumar Cartan Appointed to Referee UEFA Super Cup, UEFA and CAF Leaders Praise

MOGADISHU – Somali international referee, Cumar Cabdulqaadir Cartan, has once again made history for Somalia and the entire African continent, after being appointed to officiate the UEFA Super Cup 2026, scheduled to take place on August 12 in the city of Salzburg, Austria.

This match, which is part of the top competitions in European football, will feature the UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and the UEFA Europa League winners Aston Villa.

Cumar Cartan, who has been on the FIFA referees list since 2018, has recently made a significant presence in international stadiums, becoming one of the most recognized referees in Africa. In 2025, he won the African Men's Referee of the Year award, further enhancing his reputation and the confidence in his skills.

The President of the European Football Association (UEFA), Aleksander Čeferin, stated that Cumar Cartan is a referee with talent, skill, and high experience, despite being relatively young compared to some referees at this level.

“Cumar Cartan has demonstrated efficiency, integrity, and high skill that make him deserving of this important opportunity,” said the UEFA President.

For his part, the President of the African Football Confederation (CAF), Dr. Patrice Motsepe, described this appointment as a great honor for Somalia and the entire Africa.

“The appointment of Cumar Cartan is evidence of the progress being made by African referees. It is an example showing that talent and effort can reach the highest levels of football in the world,” said Motsepe.

This appointment has been described as a historic achievement, as Cumar Cartan becomes the first Somali referee and one of the African referees chosen to officiate an official match at this high level organized by UEFA.

This achievement enhances Somalia's reputation on international platforms and serves as an inspiration for Somali youth aspiring to reach high levels in sports and refereeing.