PSG vs Aston Villa: Artan Set for Historic UEFA Super Cup Debut

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA — Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa will go head-to-head for the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, but the spotlight will not be limited to the two European champions.

Somali official Omar Artan is set to become the first non-European referee to take charge of the prestigious fixture when the Champions League holders meet the Europa League winners in Salzburg.

PSG are hoping to retain the trophy and become only the second club in the modern era to achieve successive Super Cup victories. Real Madrid were the last team to accomplish the feat, winning in 2016 and 2017.

The French champions claimed last year’s title after overcoming Tottenham Hotspur on penalties.

Artan’s involvement adds significant interest to the match after his exclusion from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

The 34-year-old had been selected among the tournament’s referees but was prevented from entering the country shortly before the World Cup began. US officials cited vetting and national security concerns, including alleged links to terrorist organisations. No evidence supporting the allegations was publicly provided.

UEFA subsequently handed Artan the Super Cup assignment, a move that has been welcomed by many within the football community.

The appointment comes after the Somali official was named Africa’s leading referee last season. He also refereed the 2025 African Champions League final.

Artan acknowledged that missing the World Cup had been difficult but expressed appreciation for the backing he received from around the world.

“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,” he told UEFA.

“I really appreciate the support I received throughout the world, though. I’m so grateful.”

He has since turned his attention to Wednesday’s game, studying both PSG and Aston Villa closely.

“The standard in Europe is fantastic and the football they play is very, very good,” Artan said.

PSG welcome back key players

PSG’s squad preparation has been complicated by the late return of several players who played major roles at the 2026 World Cup.

Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé resumed training on Monday, joining France teammates Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola.

Fabián Ruiz has also returned to training after helping Spain win the World Cup.

Kvaratskhelia, whose Georgia side did not qualify for the tournament, has enjoyed a longer period of preparation and is expected to feature from the start.

New signing Maghnes Akliouche could make an appearance, while Barcola has been linked with a move to Liverpool.

PSG may also give former Villa defender Lucas Digne his debut after signing him on Sunday in a deal reportedly worth €10m ($11.6m).

Aston Villa reshape squad

Villa, meanwhile, will begin the new season with a reshaped squad under Emery.

Rogers has moved to Chelsea and Tielemans to Manchester United, while Digne has joined PSG.

The club have recruited Swiss World Cup player Johan Manzambi and Brazilian midfielder Joao Gomes from relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Manzambi will not be available for Wednesday’s game because of a knee injury.

Villa earned their place in the Super Cup by defeating Freiburg 3-0 in the Europa League final.

The fixture will also represent their second Champions League campaign under Emery, who has previous experience managing PSG.

As PSG chase another European honour and Villa look to make a statement on the continental stage, the UEFA Super Cup offers an intriguing opening to the new European campaign — and a historic night for Artan.

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