FIFA rejects Indonesia's request in the World Cup qualifiers

FIFA has officially rejected PSSI's request to replace the referee for the Saudi Arabia match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, causing Indonesia to worry about the match's impartiality.

According to regional media, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have formally declined the Indonesian Football Association's (PSSI) appeal to alter the referee assignment for the Indonesia versus Saudi Arabia match in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers.

The AFC confirmed that referee Ahmad Al Ali from Kuwait will continue to officiate the game held at King Abdullah Sports City (Jeddah) on the evening of October 8 local time, which corresponds to early morning October 9 in Indonesia. This decision was announced on the X platform, affirming that PSSI's request was denied and “there will be no changes to the previously approved refereeing team.”

Previously, PSSI submitted an official petition to the AFC and FIFA, arguing that appointing a referee from the Middle East region, the same as Saudi Arabia, could disadvantage Indonesia in this crucial match. This fixture holds significant importance for both teams as they pursue qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Saudi Arabian media, including Kooora and Asharq Al Awsat, reported that Indonesia expressed dissatisfaction and even requested the AFC to consider appointing a European referee to ensure neutrality. “PSSI regards the appointment of Ahmad Al Ali as biased since he is from the Arab region,” Asharq Al Awsat stated.

Beyond regional concerns, Indonesia has specific reasons for worry. Ahmad Al Ali previously officiated the match between Indonesia and Vietnam in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers at Al Maktoum Stadium (UAE) on June 7, 2021, where Indonesia suffered a heavy 0-4 defeat. This result has caused Indonesian fans to feel uneasy whenever the Kuwaiti referee is in charge.

Despite strong opposition, PSSI could not overturn the decision from AFC and FIFA. The Saudi Arabia vs. Indonesia match will still be officiated by Ahmad Al Ali. Indonesian media suggest that the team must enter the game with heightened caution amid lingering doubts about fairness before kickoff.