AFC Will Review Controversial Referee Reports In Bahrain Vs Indonesia Match

JAKARTA - The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) stated that it would review the performance of the referee from Oman, Ahmed Abu Bakar Al Kaf. This follows a report submitted by PSSI after the match between Bahrain vs Indonesia and the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

Al Kaf was highlighted for his controversial leadership in the Bahrain vs Indonesia match on Thursday, October 10, 2024. The moment that caught the eye was when Bahrain scored a 2-2 equalizer.

Mohamed Jasim Mohamed Ali Abdulla Marhoon scored the goal in the 90+9 minute. In fact, at that time Al Kaf only gave an additional six minutes.

His decision not to blow the long whistle even though the extra time had run out made Indonesia inflamed, sparking a commotion at the end of the match.

Secretary General of the AFC, Datuk Seri Windsor John, emphasized that all referee reports must be accounted for. Including the report of referee Bahrain vs Indonesia regarding the reasons for increasing time during injury time.

"VAR monitors all referee decisions. They have to prove it (if there are complaints)," said Windsor John, reported by the New Straits Times Online on Monday, October 14, 2024.

"Although match officials did not comment on their appearance publicly, they were required to provide a detailed report to FIFA," said Windsor John.

In addition, Windsor John also acknowledged that Asia is currently short of quality referees. He said this was amid the controversy of Ahmed Abu Bakar Al Kaf.

"We need more quality referees from this region. Currently, Nazmi Nasaruddin from Malaysia is one of the leading few referees," said Windsor John.