PSG and Aston Villa clash in Super Cup as UEFA appoints barred Somali referee

In Salzburg, Paris Saint-Germain will meet Aston Villa for the UEFA Super Cup, the first trophy of the new European season. UEFA chose Somali referee Omar Artan, who was barred by the United States from the World Cup on unsubstantiated terror-connection claims, to oversee the game, a move seen as a rebuke to FIFA amid a widening rift over Gianni Infantino’s plans. PSG aim to become the second team to retain the Super Cup, fielding returning World Cup stars such as Ousmane Dembélé and Fabián Ruiz, while also integrating new winger Maghnes Akliouche.

Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, will feature former PSG left-back Lucas Digne, who rejoined PSG on a free transfer, and new signings Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes, despite Manzambi’s knee injury. The match also serves as a platform for Artan, who described the appointment as a challenging but appreciated honor after a difficult period. The event underscores the escalating discord between UEFA and FIFA as they vie for influence in global football governance.