Somalia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Mohamed Abdulkadir Ali, on Sunday hosted internationally recognized Somali-born referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan at his office in Mogadishu, applauding his role in promoting the country’s image through football.
“Artan is a symbol of national pride and a role model for Somali youth,” the minister said, commending his professionalism and contributions on the international stage.
Artan, born in Mogadishu in 1992, became a FIFA-listed referee in 2018. He made history in January 2024 as the first Somali to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations, overseeing the Group E match between Tunisia and Namibia. He has also handled high-profile fixtures in the CAF Champions League and 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Known for his composed and decisive style, Artan has earned widespread respect across the continent for his ability to manage high-stakes matches with control and fairness.
The meeting was attended by Somali Football Federation (SFF) President Ali Abdi Mohamed, Director of Sports Development Sadaq Ahmed Abdulle, and Referees Committee Chair Hassan Yarbarow Wiish. Officials reaffirmed the government’s support for individuals like Artan who continue to elevate Somalia on the global stage.
