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AFC Reportedly Grants Indonesia’s Request to Avoid Middle Eastern Referees in World Cup Qualifiers
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has reportedly agreed to Indonesia’s request to exclude referees from the Middle East for their matches in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. This decision came after concerns were raised by the Indonesian football federation, as reported by Vietnamese outlet Soha. The request was made to ensure neutrality and fairness in officiating during the crucial upcoming fixtures.
Controversy surrounding officiating had already surfaced during the third qualifying round, particularly after Indonesia’s 2-2 draw against Bahrain. The match sparked debate when the referee from Oman allowed play to continue beyond the announced added time, leading to Bahrain’s late equalizer. The incident prompted Indonesia to file an official complaint with both the AFC and FIFA.
Following the protest, AFC appears to have taken Indonesia’s concerns seriously and revised its officiating assignments accordingly. This change is especially significant given that both Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Middle Eastern nations, are set to host several matches in the next qualifying round. By excluding Arab referees from Indonesia’s games, AFC aims to prevent potential conflicts or perceptions of bias.
Indonesia will face tough competition in the upcoming stage, grouped with strong teams such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq in Group A. Meanwhile, Group B includes other Middle Eastern powerhouses like Qatar, the UAE, and Oman. With officiating concerns now addressed, Indonesia can shift focus to tactical preparation and performance on the pitch.
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