Somali international referee Omar Artan is moving closer to officiating in the Egyptian Premier League after submitting an official request to take charge of matches in the competition.

The Egyptian Football Association's Referees Committee has welcomed the idea, with a final decision expected following discussions with football officials in the coming days.

The development comes after Artan attracted international attention for officiating the UEFA Super Cup, following his controversial absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

Decision Expected Soon

A source from the Referees Committee revealed that a meeting with Egyptian Football Association officials will take place in the coming days to discuss Artan's request.

According to the source, approval is currently the most likely outcome.

Referees Committee chairman Essam Abdel Fattah confirmed that Artan had contacted him personally before the Egyptian FA received an official letter from the Somali Football Federation.

Abdel Fattah explained that the committee supports the idea, but the Egyptian FA must approve the request and complete the necessary legal and administrative procedures.

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He also clarified that Artan's request is not connected to the upcoming Al Ahly vs Zamalek derby, as the referee wants to officiate in the Egyptian league more generally.

From World Cup Setback to Egypt

Artan made headlines after being unable to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite being selected as one of the tournament's referees.

His absence followed a decision by US authorities to deny him entry into the country.

He later received an important opportunity to referee the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa, becoming the first non-European referee to officiate the match.

Artan has also built a strong reputation in African football.

He refereed the second leg of the 2025 CAF Champions League final and was named Africa's Best Referee that year.

If the Egyptian FA approves his request, Artan could soon begin a new chapter in the Egyptian Premier League, bringing valuable international experience to the competition.