Kluiver Claims To Be Surprised, The Indonesian Vs Saudi Arabia National Team Match Led By The Kuwaiti Referee

JAKARTA - Patrick Kluivert admitted that he was surprised when he learned that the match between the Indonesian national team and Saudi Arabia would be led by referees from Kuwait. The meeting between the two teams was the Fourth Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification on Thursday, October 9, 2025, early morning WIB.

The match between the two teams will take place at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, Jeddah, and will be led by the Kuwaiti referee, Ahmed Al Ali. The referee's decision was a question for Indonesia because Al Ali was both from the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

"I am very surprised by this, but we will focus on the game and ignore the referee's aspect," Patrick Kluivert told a news conference before the match.

On that occasion, Kluivert also emphasized that the Indonesian national team would not be afraid ahead of the match against Saudi Arabia which would later be led by a referee from Kuwait. The 1-1 draw in Jeddah in September 2024 is considered by Kluivers to be the capital for the Garuda Squad.

"We are not afraid of this match. We have full confidence even though our opponents will play at home. We are used to the atmosphere and play here," Kluiver said.

In addition, Kluivert hopes that Ahmed Al Ali can carry out his duties as a good and neutral justice. He also wants his foster children not to be disturbed by the referee's issue.

"The referee comes from Kuwait, but the important thing is that every referee at this level must be aware of their responsibility. I'm not looking for excuses."

"FIFA appointed the referee. We have to play. There is no need to focus on the referee. They have to work honestly and correctly," said the Dutch coach.

Regarding the appointment of Ahmed Al Ali in the match between the Indonesian vs Saudi Arabia national team, PSSI had previously sent a letter of protest to FIFA and AFC. The reason is that the referee assigned should have come from other confederations, such as East Asia, Central Asia, or Europe.

The protest letter received a reply in which the AFC confirmed that it would not change the composition of the referee that had been determined by FIFA. PSSI finally stated that it accepted the AFC decision.