FIFA Referee Omar Artan to Officiate Arsenal Legends Clash in Nairobi

Somali FIFA referee Omar Artan has been appointed to oversee the Legends Cup match between Arsenal Legends and Harambee Stars Legends at Nyayo National Stadium.

According to the organisers, Artan will serve as the centre referee when the two teams meet on Friday, November 14, 2026. The fixture is expected to attract Kenyan football fans eager to watch former stars from the English Premier League and international football.

Artan’s appointment follows his recent high-profile officiating assignments. He had reportedly been denied entry into the United States over visa-related issues ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup before UEFA invited him to referee the Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.

The organisers have also publicised a list of 21 former Arsenal players expected to feature in Nairobi. The names include Robert Pirès, Ashley Cole, Tony Adams, Gilberto Silva, Kolo Touré, Theo Walcott, Santi Cazorla, Alex Song and Bacary Sagna.

Other players on the announced list are Johan Djourou, Kieran Gibbs, Steve Sidwell, Emmanuel Eboué, Łukasz Fabiański, Gervinho, Martin Keown, Mikaël Silvestre, Yaya Sanogo, Jay Bothroyd, Philippe Senderos and Yossi Benayoun. However, the individual participation of the listed players has not been independently confirmed by Arsenal.

The match will also bring together several members of the club’s famous 2003/04 Invincibles squad. That team, managed by Arsène Wenger, completed the Premier League season unbeaten after recording 26 wins and 12 draws.

Pirès, Gilberto Silva and Touré are among the former Invincibles named for the Nairobi event. Adams, meanwhile, offers another connection to Arsenal’s successful history as one of the club’s most celebrated former captains.

Beyond the match, a coaching clinic featuring Walcott and Cole is scheduled for November 14 at Crawford International School in Tatu City. The event comes as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Uganda and Tanzania.

FIFA referee Omar Artan to officiate Arsenal Legends vs Harambee Stars Legends match in Nairobi

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