Somali referee Omar Artan has been appointed to oversee the final match of Kuwait’s top-flight football season after receiving a special invitation from the Kuwait Football Association.
The official will take charge of the decisive fixture in the Kuwait Zain Premier League on 29 June, a match expected to bring the 2025-26 campaign to a close and potentially confirm Kuwait Club as league champions.
The appointment represents a significant opportunity for Artan, who has been entrusted with officiating one of the most important matches in Kuwaiti domestic football. The final round of fixtures is set to determine the outcome of the title race, with Kuwait Club widely expected to secure the championship.
The Kuwait Football Association’s decision to invite Artan highlights the confidence placed in the Somali referee ahead of the season’s concluding encounter. League finales often carry heightened pressure due to the significance of the result, making the selection of match officials a crucial aspect of preparations.
Artan’s involvement in the match comes at a time when attention has also been focused on developments surrounding football administration and international appointments linked to major competitions.
Support for the Somali referee has been publicly demonstrated by Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe.
Motsepe is reported to have expressed strong backing for Artan after the referee was denied entry into the United States ahead of duties connected to the FIFA World Cup.
The incident drew attention within football circles, particularly because of the referee’s involvement in activities related to one of the sport’s biggest global tournaments. Despite the setback, support from CAF’s leadership has underlined confidence in Artan’s abilities and standing within African football.
His appointment to the Kuwait Premier League final is likely to be viewed as another indication of the regard in which he is held by football authorities beyond the African continent.
The Kuwait Zain Premier League finale is expected to attract considerable interest, with supporters awaiting confirmation of Kuwait Club’s status as champions of the 2025-26 season.
Should results go as anticipated, the final round will crown Kuwait Club as winners of the league title, bringing the domestic campaign to a successful conclusion.
For Artan, the match presents a high-profile assignment and an opportunity to officiate on one of the biggest stages in Kuwaiti football. With the championship potentially on the line and significant attention focused on the contest, the Somali referee will be tasked with ensuring the match is conducted fairly and smoothly as the season reaches its climax.
The fixture on 29 June is therefore set to serve not only as the culmination of the league campaign but also as a notable moment in Artan’s refereeing career following his special invitation from the Kuwait Football Association.
