President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has congratulated Somali international referee Omar Abdulqadir Artan after he was officially named the African Referee of the Year for 2025 by the Confederation of African Football.
The award was presented during CAF’s annual awards ceremony held earlier this week, recognizing his outstanding performance, consistency and professionalism in officiating major continental and international matches.
President Hassan Sheikh described the achievement as a historic milestone for Somalia’s sporting community. He said the award highlights not only Artan’s excellence on the field but also the growing presence and capability of Somali youth in international sports.
In his congratulatory message, the President noted that Artan earned the prestigious award for his flawless officiating in high-profile matches across Africa, including CAF Champions League fixtures, AFCON qualifiers and key regional tournaments. His accuracy, discipline and integrity were cited as key reasons he stood out among referees across the continent.
“Referee Omar Artan is a symbol of hard work and skill. He has elevated the name of Somalia and achieved a historic milestone in the world of sports,” President Hassan Sheikh said. “His achievement reflects the resilience, talent and determination of our young people who continue to shine globally.”
The President added that Artan’s recognition serves as a source of inspiration for Somali athletes and sports officials striving to succeed internationally, despite the challenges facing the country’s sporting sector.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening sports development, improving training programs and supporting individuals who bring pride to the nation.
The award is considered one of the highest honors in African football officiating, placing Omar Artan among the most respected referees on the continent and cementing his status as an international sporting ambassador for Somalia.