International Somali referee Omar Artan has arrived in Kigali ahead of the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup final, which will be played on Friday, with the highly regarded match official set to take charge of the tournament’s showpiece encounter.
Artan is widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest referees, having been ranked the continent’s top referee in 2025 following a series of outstanding performances in major continental and international competitions.
sameHis appointment to officiate the CECAFA Kagame Cup final is seen as a reflection of the tournament’s commitment to maintaining high officiating standards for one of East and Central Africa’s most prestigious club competitions.
The Somali referee drew international attention earlier this year after he was denied entry into the United States, where he had been scheduled to officiate matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The incident sparked widespread discussion within the global football community, with many questioning the implications for international sporting events and the movement of match officials.
Despite that setback, Artan has continued to receive top-level assignments across Africa, reaffirming his standing as one of the continent’s most respected referees.
His presence in Kigali is expected to add further credibility to Friday’s final as the two finalists battle for regional club football’s coveted title.
The CECAFA Kagame Cup, named in honour of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, brings together champion clubs from across the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) region and remains one of the region’s longest-running and most prestigious football tournaments.
This year’s edition has attracted strong competition, with the final expected to draw a large crowd in Kigali.
