Getting to Know Ahmed Al Kaf, the FIFA Referee Who Brings Controversy with Every Decision

Kapanlagi.com - Ahmed Abu Bakar Said Al-Kaf, a referee born on March 6, 1983, in Oman, has made an unforgettable mark in the world of football. He began his career as a professional referee in 2008, starting in the Oman League before being recognized as a FIFA international referee in 2010. Since then, he has officiated over 115 international matches, known for his firm leadership style and decisiveness in issuing cards to players.

Throughout his career, Al Kaf has issued a total of 343 yellow cards and 10 red cards, averaging five cards per match! This figure indicates how serious he is about enforcing discipline on the field.

However, the public's main focus was on the controversy involving Al Kaf during the 2026 World Cup Qualifying match between Bahrain and Indonesia on October 10, 2024. In that match, the Indonesian National Team was leading 2-1 until the 90th minute, with only six minutes of added time announced. However, Al Kaf surprised many by extending the added time to the 90+9 minute, giving Bahrain a chance to equalize.

This decision sparked strong protests from the Indonesian National Team officials, who felt that Al Kaf's decision had harmed their chances of victory under coach Shin Tae Yong. This controversy adds to the interesting record of Ahmed Al Kaf's career, a FIFA referee who always draws public attention with his colorful decisions.

Here’s a glimpse of Ahmed Al Kaf, a referee who not only officiates matches but also becomes a highlight with his controversial decisions, as reported by Kapanlagi.com from various sources, Wednesday (13/11).

1. Al Kaf's Controversies in Southeast Asia

Not only Indonesia, but Thailand also felt the impact of controversial decisions from Ahmed Al Kaf that sparked polemics. In the quarter-finals of the 2020 AFC U-23 Championship, Al Kaf awarded a questionable penalty to Saudi Arabia without utilizing VAR, a step that should have been taken according to the rules.

As a result, Thailand had to swallow a bitter pill with a 0-1 defeat that eliminated them from the tournament. In fact, Thai football accounts boldly accused Al Kaf of often favoring certain teams.

A similar situation occurred when Vietnam faced Thailand in the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers, where Al Kaf awarded a penalty to Thailand that unfortunately was missed, while Vietnam's goal was disallowed for a foul. These decisions certainly sparked a wave of criticism from football observers questioning the integrity of the referee.

2. The Etes Incident from the Iranian Club

Ahmed Al Kaf, a figure well-known for controversies, has drawn attention not only on the international stage but also at the club level. In 2020, the Iranian club, Esteghlal Tehran, filed an official protest to the AFC, accusing Al Kaf of making decisions that favored their opponent, Pakhtakor.

Esteghlal felt that the decisions made by the Omani referee were very unfair, prompting them to urge the AFC to evaluate his performance. Unfortunately, the protest seemingly did not receive serious attention from the AFC.

3. FIFA and AFC's Stance on Ahmed Al Kaf

Despite being bombarded with sharp criticism, FIFA and the AFC remained adamant without imposing sanctions on Ahmed Al Kaf. This was evident when Al Kaf was once again trusted as the referee in the 2026 World Cup Qualifying match between the United Arab Emirates and Kyrgyzstan, just a few weeks after the controversial incident involving Indonesia and Bahrain.

In fact, an Arab football media account confirmed that Al Kaf had been officially appointed as the referee for that match, reaffirming the trust still placed in him amidst public scrutiny.

4. Message from Al Kaf to Indonesia

After a dramatic match against Bahrain that ended in a 2-2 draw, the name Ahmed Al Kaf suddenly became a hot topic on social media. Amid sharp scrutiny and abundant criticism, Al Kaf posted a motivational message on Instagram, urging his followers to "be strong and independent."

This message sparked various speculations among netizens, particularly Indonesian supporters who felt aggrieved by the controversial referee decision. Although it is unclear to whom the message was directed, Al Kaf's post managed to capture public attention, considering his decisions are often seen as biased.

5. Frequently Issues Cards During Matches

Ahmed Al Kaf, the referee well-known in the world of football, is recognized for his firm and controversial leadership style, often issuing cards in every match he officiates.

In 115 matches, he recorded an average of five cards per match, with a staggering total of 343 yellow cards and 10 red cards throughout his career.

This statistic has made him a focal point among players and coaches, generating a variety of opinions—from praise to criticism—and raising questions about his integrity as an internationally licensed match official.

6. Questions and Answers Related to Ahmed Al Kaf: Why is Ahmed Al Kaf's Decision Considered Controversial?

Referee Al Kaf's decision to extend the added time to the 90+9 minute mark in the thrilling match between Indonesia and Bahrain drew a lot of attention, especially from supporters of the Indonesian national team.

The lengthy added time provided an opportunity for Bahrain to score an equalizer, which clearly harmed the hopes of the Merah Putih team to achieve victory.

7. Has Ahmed Al Kaf Ever Received Sanctions from AFC or FIFA?

Although often under scrutiny for his controversial decisions, Ahmed Al Kaf has not yet received any official sanctions from the AFC or FIFA.

Criticism continues to flow, but he remains unfazed, as if undeterred by the storm of opinions surrounding him.

8. What Message Did Ahmed Al Kaf Convey on Instagram After the Controversy?

Ahmed Al Kaf recently shared an inspiring message on his Instagram account, urging his followers to "be strong and independent."

Although his spirit feels uplifting, it remains a mystery who exactly is the target of this meaningful invitation.

9. What is Ahmed Al Kaf's Average Card Issued in Each Match?

Ahmed Al Kaf, the uncompromising referee, records an impressive average of five cards per match.

Throughout his career, he has issued a total of 343 yellow cards and 10 red cards, making him one of the most daring and influential referees in the world of football.

10. Labeled as a Controversial Referee in Asia

The name Ahmed Al Kaf is rising in the Asian football scene, but unfortunately not because of his achievements as a referee, but rather due to the controversies that continue to follow him.

Incidents involving him, especially in matches between Southeast Asian countries, seem to add to the dramatic tales that make him known as a figure full of debate in the world of football.

(kpl/rmt)