The Union of European Football Associations has appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on August 12.
Dutch referee Bas Nijhuis criticized the decision during an appearance on the television program Vandaag Inside Oranje, as reported by fcupdate.
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Nijhuis questioned why European referees from top domestic leagues were overlooked for the prestigious assignment.
According to Nijhuis, political motives are driving the unexpected appointment, pointing to ongoing friction between FIFA and UEFA.
"Yes, that is also a thing.
You have UEFA and FIFA and there is always an internal struggle going on," Nijhuis said, as he recovers from a severe Achilles tendon injury.
He explained that the two associations frequently oppose each other's decisions, noting that UEFA welcomed Artan to referee the Super Cup directly after FIFA sidelined him.
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"Now FIFA sends him away and UEFA comes and says: come and referee the Super Cup for us," Nijhuis said.
While acknowledging the opportunity is great for Artan, Nijhuis maintained that the choice sends the wrong message to European referees who performed exceptionally well last season.
"That is of course very nice for that man, but towards your own referees it is really ridiculous," Nijhuis said.
Nijhuis clarified that Artan possesses high qualifications and a proven track record of handling difficult matches, but stressed that UEFA missed a crucial opportunity to reward its own internal refereeing corps.
"This is one of your biggest matches.
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Then you can reward your own European referees who have refereed good matches last season, and then you do this," Nijhuis said.
