PSSI Launches Protests To AFC In The Aftermath Of The Controversial Defeat Of The U-23 Indonesian National Team From Qatar

The U-23 Indonesian national team lost controversially to Qatar U-23 (doc. PSSI).

JAKARTA - PSSI through General Chair Erick Thohir took firm steps following the controversial defeat of the U-23 Indonesian national team over Qatar U-23. The federation plans to send a letter of protest to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) regarding the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup match.

In the opening match of Group A, Monday, April 15, 2024, WIB night, the U-23 Indonesian national team faced the host Qatar U-23 at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. The match ended with the defeat of Garuda Muda over Qatar 0-2.

Shin Tae-yong's side lost after Qatar scored a goal with Khalid Ali Sabah's penalty (45+1') and Ahmed Al Raqi's free kick (54'). However, the referee's controversial decision throughout the match was in the spotlight.

Nasrullo Kabirov, who became the main judge of the match, was considered to be one-sided. The referee from Tajikistan had taken a penalty decision which led to Qatar's first goal.

Initially, Nasrullo considered Mahdi Salem to have violated Rizky Ridho. However, after seeing the video assistant referee (VAR) it was Ridho who was even decided to violate Salem.

The situation that benefits the host clearly disappoints many parties, including PSSI. Seeing this situation, the chairman of PSSI stated that he would protest to AFC when speaking in front of players in the dressing room after the match.

"Thank you Garuda Muda for fighting with all your strength and heart. Never be discouraged," said Erick Thohir in a video caption uploaded on his personal Instagram quoted on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

"As a federation and according to regulations, we will send a letter of protest to the AFC, for several decisions in this match," said Erick.

Realizing that the result of this controversial match was enough to make the team disappointed and hit hard, Erick Thohir did not stop encouraging Marselino Ferdinand and his friends to refocus on looking at the next match.

"We all always support you. This is not the end, focus on giving your best in the next two group stage matches," said Erick.

The defeat to Qatar was a big loss for Garuda Muda. The reason is, the U-23 Indonesian national team not only failed to win points, but also lost two players for the next match against Australia which was held on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

The U-23 Indonesian national team currently occupies the caretaker of Group A of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup without points.