Hornpost
Rabat, Morocco (Hornpost) – November 20, 2025 — Somali football referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been crowned the Best Referee in Africa for 2025, earning one of the continent’s highest honors in football officiating at a CAF awards ceremony held in Rabat.
Artan’s achievement was announced during the Confederation of African Football’s annual awards gala, where the continent recognizes outstanding performances across all levels of the sport.
Leaders from the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) welcomed the news, calling it a historic moment for the region’s referees.
“This is a historic victory for CECAFA refereeing. I congratulate our stars Shamirah Nabadda and Abdulkadir Artan,” said CECAFA referees chief Ali Ahmed.
Uganda’s Shamirah Nabadda won the women’s category for Africa’s best referee.
Leaders Praise Artan’s Achievement:
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud congratulated Artan, praising the referee’s role in elevating the country’s sporting image.
“I congratulate the Somali people and our sports community on Omar Abdulkadir Artan’s victory as Africa’s Referee of the Year 2025. His achievement reflects the talent, resilience and professionalism of Somali youth,” the president said in a statement released by state media.
Former Somali presidents Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed also applauded Artan’s award, each describing the accomplishment as a testament to the creativity, determination and potential of Somali youth.
Somalia FA: ‘A Bright Light for Our Football’
The president of the Somali Football Federation, Ali Abdi Mohamed (Shiine), celebrated the award, saying Artan earned it through “consistent effort, high-level skill, fairness, and exceptional international representation.”
“Artan is another bright light for Somali football. His success inspires all referees and young people pursuing this path,” he added.
A Rising Career:
Artan’s continental recognition caps a remarkable rise in his refereeing career.
He was selected this year among the officials for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025, becoming one of the few Somali referees to earn such an appointment.
He also became the first Somali referee to officiate a CAF Champions League semi-final, marking a major milestone for Somali officiating on the African stage.
Artan’s award is widely viewed as a source of national pride and a symbol of the growing presence of Somali talent in global football.
Prepared:
Hornpost staff Reporter
