12 August,2026 05:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
PSG and Aston Villa are set to face each other in Salzburg (Pic: AFP)
Paris Saint-Germain return to the pursuit of silverware on Wednesday when they face Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria.
With six trophies available to PSG this season, the French champions have prioritised securing a third consecutive Champions League crown to solidify their standing as one of football's all-time elite sides. Kickoff for the traditional clash between the reigning Champions League and Europa League winners is scheduled for 9 p.m. local time (1900 GMT).
PSG are aiming for back-to-back Super Cup triumphs following their penalty shootout victory over Tottenham last year. Meanwhile, Aston Villa are seeking their second Super Cup title, having previously defeated Barcelona over two legs in 1983. Villa manager Unai Emery enters the match hoping to break a personal curse, having suffered three consecutive Super Cup defeats during his tenures at Sevilla and Villarreal.
The match will be officiated by Somali referee Omar Artan, who was blocked by U.S. authorities from officiating at the World Cup shortly before the tournament due to vetting issues. U.S. officials alleged connections to terrorist organisations, though no supporting evidence was made public.
UEFA countered by selecting Artan, who was named Africa's top official last season, to take charge of the showpiece match, signalling a clear power play by the European body during an era of growing friction with FIFA. Tensions have escalated further following UEFA's leadership in opposing Gianni Infantino's FIFA presidency after his scrapped proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup.
Aston Villa will be missing recent signing Johan Manzambi after the Swiss World Cup player picked up a knee injury. Key figures Emi Martinez, Ollie Watkins, and Ezri Konsa are also sidelined, having not yet resumed complete training following their World Cup duties.
PSG head coach Luis Enrique faces selection decisions regarding French international trio Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Bradley Barcola, as well as Spanish World Cup champion Fabian Ruiz, all of whom only rejoined squad training on Monday. However, PSG could hand a debut to left-back Lucas Digne, who arrived from Villa during the transfer window.
(With inputs from PTI)
