Saudi Arabia. Kuwaiti referee Ahmad Al Ali displayed extraordinary firmness during the Indonesian national team’s match against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Thursday (October 9th) early morning Western Indonesian Time. Indonesian public fears regarding Ahmad Al Ali’s neutrality were unfounded.
Before the Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia match in the 4th round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, there were concerns from the PSSI and the Indonesian public regarding the selection of Ahmad Al Ali as the match referee.
The PSSI considered the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) decision to select Ahmad Al Ali, a Kuwaiti, to be unbiased. However, Ahmad dismissed any doubts about his credentials.
Ahmad Al Ali issued six yellow cards, one red card, and three penalties throughout the 90 minutes. Kevin Diks scored both of Indonesia’s goals in the 2-3 defeat to Saudi Arabia in a penalty shootout.
Ahmad Al Ali’s decisiveness was also evident during injury time in the second half. The referee, who has been an international referee since 2006, showed red cards to Saudi Arabian player Mohamed Kanno and a Saudi official.
Kanno, who had only come on in the 89th minute, received two yellow cards in quick succession four minutes later. Ahmad Al Ali gave the first for wasting time during a throw-in, and then the second for protesting.
“I have no complaints about the referee [Ahmad Al Ali]. I think he did an extraordinary job,” said Indonesian national team coach Patrick Kluivert after the match.
Indonesian netizens also expressed their appreciation for Ahmad Al Ali. Some even apologized to the Kuwaiti referee.
“As an Indonesian, I would like to apologize to Ahmad Al Ali for questioning his dedication and reputation as a FIFA referee. He is a very fair player,” wrote one netizen.
“This Kuwaiti referee is really cool. If he wasn’t fair, the national team wouldn’t have received two penalties. Especially when the Saudi player received a red card, he was so firm!” wrote another netizen.
Indonesia will next face Iraq in their second Group B match at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah on Saturday (11/10) evening local time. Indonesia must win this match.
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