PSSI Sends Protest Letter to AFC and FIFA Regarding Referee Decisions in Indonesia Vs Bahrain Match

PSSI (Indonesian Football Association) has announced plans to send a protest letter to AFC (Asian Football Confederation) and FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) concerning the referee’s decisions in the national team match between Indonesia and Bahrain. This statement was made by PSSI Executive Committee member Arya Sinulingga.

The match, held at the Bahrain National Stadium on October 10, 2024, was officiated by Omani referee Ahmed Abu Bakar Al Kaf. Arya Sinulingga expressed PSSI’s disappointment over what they deemed biased officiating. This frustration peaked when the referee failed to blow the final whistle, even though the match had exceeded 90+6 minutes.

The referee had previously added six minutes of stoppage time in the second half. In the 90+9 minute, Bahrain equalized with a goal from Mohmed Marhoon, who was also suspected of being offside. Unfortunately, the referee did not review the VAR, despite strong protests from the Indonesian national team players on the bench. As a result, National Team Chairman Sumardji received a red card for his protests.

Following the goal, referee Ahmed Abu Bakar Al Kaf immediately blew the final whistle, and both teams had to settle for a 2-2 draw in the third match of Group C of the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in Asia. Arya Sinulingga stated, “We are very disappointed with the referee’s decisions. It seemed like he added time until Bahrain scored.”

PSSI plans to send the protest letter to AFC and FIFA soon, urging them to review referee Ahmed Abu Bakar Al Kaf’s performance. Arya also highlighted that it was surprising for a referee from the same football federation—Bahrain and Oman, both under the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF)—to officiate the match. “Yes, we will send the protest letter,” Arya Sinulingga concluded.