JAKARTA - The I-League operator officially established a full-time cooperation for foreign referees by appointing Yudai Yamamoto. This step was taken as a tangible form of improving the quality of the competition through the performance of the referee.
Yudai Yamamoto officially signed a contract with a working period of 1.5 years. He will start leading local competition matches, mainly the 2025/2026 Super League, starting January 2026.
The news of the establishment of this cooperation was announced at a press conference held by the I-League entitled PSSI Full-time Referee for I-League at Menara Mandiri II, Jakarta, on Monday, December 22, 2025.
I-League Operations Director Asep Saputra confirmed that Yamamoto's assignment was part of a serious effort to improve the quality of national refereeing.
"Perwasitan is an important aspect. We are aware that there are still controversies and issues. I-League is committed to providing support, including VAR, and a program to improve the quality of referees," said Asep.
With long experience in the J-League, Asian competitions, and the status of a FIFA-licensed referee, Yamamoto is also expected to be able to transfer knowledge to local referees.
With the presence of Yamamoto, Asep also said that the I-League has the opportunity to assign foreign referees full time in crucial matches in the second half of the season.
"Our young referees are encouraged to rise to the level of the Super League. In a certain context, we will also assign full-time referees (foreign) in important matches. We welcome the support of the PSSI," he said.
Even though he is a newcomer on a contract, Yamamoto is not a stranger to Indonesian football. He has led several Super League matches.
Most recently, Yamamoto was the referee for the Persita Tangerang vs Persik Kediri match at the Indomilk Arena, Tangerang, on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
"I am very happy to be back in Indonesia. I have experience in Asia and the J-League, and I want to share that experience here," said Yamamoto.
Officially serving as a full-time foreign referee, Yudai also highlighted the differences in the character of the game between Japan and Indonesia. This was revealed based on flight hours and experience leading several matches in the country.
"In the J-League, the pace of the game is very fast. Here, the game is more dynamic, the ball often moves from right to left, and many duels occur in the penalty box," he said.
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