The story around Artan is bigger than routine pre-match administration. If the appointment goes ahead as reported, UEFA will be putting one of Africa’s most highly regarded officials at the centre of a major European final curtain-raiser.
Artan also described the call as “a very, very happy moment” for him and his family, while saying there is “a big Somali community in Europe and in Austria” that is “over the moon” about the occasion. That matters. Football’s grand stages are often discussed in terms of trophies and status; this one also carries symbolism.
A Super Cup can be frantic: elite forwards, early-season sharpness still forming, and emotions running hot. For Villa, this is a chance to test themselves against a side used to the pressure of heavyweight European nights. For PSG, it is another reminder that every final brings scrutiny as well as expectation.
The referee, in that sense, becomes part of the texture of the match. Calm authority, clear communication and control of big moments will be vital, especially in a game that could swing on temperament as much as talent.
One of the more revealing lines from the report came when Artan said: “We referees go through a lot of preparation in terms of getting to know the teams.” He added that he studies “how they play”, their “behaviours” and “tactics”.
That sounds exactly right for a meeting like PSG against Villa: two ambitious sides, different rhythms, and no shortage of personalities.
By Wednesday, the referee’s appointment may no longer be the headline. But it could remain one of the evening’s defining storylines - especially if Artan handles the moment with the same composure that reportedly earned him the call.