Furious At The Leadership Of Referee Ahmed Al Kaf, PSSI Sends A Letter Of Protest To FIFA And AFC

PSSI through the Executive Committee (Exco) confirmed that they would send a letter of protest to FIFA and AFC regarding referee Ahmed Al Kaf's leadership in the Bahrain vs Indonesia match.

In the match at the Bahrain International Stadium, Riffa, Thursday, October 10, 2024, the victory of the Indonesian national team disappeared due to the controversial decision of referee Ahmed Al Kaf.

In the end, the Garuda Squad had to settle for one point in the third match of Group C of the 2026 World Cup Qualification because the score ended in a 2-2 series.

This draw then became a sharp spotlight because of referee Ahmed Al Kaf's leadership which was deemed flawed.

Bahrain was able to balance the acquisition of the Garuda Squad in the 90+9 minute. Whereas based on the referee's decision, additional time after the normal minute was only given for six minutes.

However, the referee from Oman did not even blow the long whistle until the match entered the 90+6 minute. Ahmed Al Kaf blew the whistle signaling the end of the match after the hosts were able to score the equalizer.

Seeing this situation, PSSI immediately took a firm stance and planned to send a letter of protest because he felt aggrieved by the referee's decision.

According to Arya Sinulingga, a member of Exco PSSI, Ahmed Al Kaf, seemed to be waiting for Bahrain to score a goal against the Indonesian national team.

"Yes, we sent a letter of protest. We are very disappointed with the referee's leadership. Such as adding time until Bahrain scored a goal," said Arya Sinulingga in response to the situation, quoted on Friday, October 11, 2024.

Referee Ahmed Al Kaf's leadership also ignited the emotions of the Indonesian national team squad. When Bahrain was able to score in the 90+9 minute, the Indonesian national team manager, Sumardji, was given a red card for protesting strongly.

Not only that, Shayne Pattynama was even involved in a commotion with Bahrain players and officials after the match.

Apart from that, the Indonesian national team must focus on refocusing because there are already other away matches that must be undertaken.

The Garuda squad will face China at the Qingdao Youth Football Stadium on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.