Mogadishu, (SONNA) – The Minister of Youth and Sports of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Mohamed Abdulkadir Ali, received renowned international football referee Omar Abdulqadir Artan at his office today. Artan is widely recognized as one of the most active and respected referees in Africa.
Minister Ali praised Cartan for his significant role in elevating Somalia’s global reputation, particularly in football. He described Artan as a role model for Somali youth, noting his repeated officiating appearances at international tournaments and his dignified representation of the country on the global stage.
Since joining the official list of referees for CAF and FIFA in 2018, Omar Artan has officiated numerous high-profile matches across the continent. His career reached a historic milestone when he successfully refereed the final of the CAF Champions League, making him the first Somali referee ever to officiate at that level.
The meeting was attended by key sports officials, including the President of the Somali Football Federation, Mr. Ali Abdi Mohamed, the Director of Sports Development, Mr. Sadaq Ahmed Abdulle, and the Chairperson of the Referees Committee, Mr. Hassan Yarbarow Wiish.
The Somali government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting individuals like Omar Artan, who continue to raise the nation’s profile and carry its flag with pride on the international stage.
