FIFA’s referees committee has selected Somalia’s Omar Abdulkadir Artan as one of 18 referees who will officiate at the FIFA U-20 World 2025 Cup, which is set to take place in Chile from September 27 to October 19.
Artan was among six African referees selected by the committee on Wednesday, July 23, the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) said.
Kenya’s Gilbert Cheruiyot was picked as an assistant referee.
Artan also officiated the 2024/2025 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria between South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and Egypt’s Pyramids FC.
That made him the first Somali referee to officiate in the prestigious African tournament.
Both 1992 and 1995 have been cited by online media outlets as the year of his birth.
Artan has emerged as a respected young referee in recent years due to his sharp decision-making, authoritative presence and commitment to fair play.
His refereeing journey began in his native Somalia, where he developed a passion for officiating rather than playing despite enjoying football in his youth.
He officiated Somali club friendly games before progressing to competitive tournaments.
Artan became an international referee for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 2020.
He has officiated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) matches both as the main referee and a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) as well as the fourth official.
His selection for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile marks another milestone for the young Somali referee.
