Profile of Rustam Lutfullin, Referee Who Officiated the Match Between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia

Kapanlagi.com - On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium will serve as a grand stage for an exciting match between the Indonesian National Team and Saudi Arabia in the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. This match is not just an ordinary event; it is a crucial moment for Indonesia, which aims to secure three points to keep their hopes alive for a spot on the world stage.

However, the spotlight is not only on the players fighting on the field. There is one figure who is also the center of attention: Rustam Lutfullin, a referee from Uzbekistan who has been appointed as the main official for this match. The decisions he makes on the field are expected to influence the course of this high-pressure game.

Rustam is not a stranger in the international football arena. He is known as a young referee with firmness, having experience officiating various prestigious competitions such as the AFC Champions League, the U-23 Asian Cup, and World Cup Qualifiers.

However, behind his prestigious record, he often becomes the focus due to controversial decisions. Will he be able to perform his duties well and be a determining factor in the success of the Indonesian National Team?

1. Brief Profile of Rustam Lutfullin

Rustam Lutfullin, born in Tashkent on April 5, 1991, has made a name for himself as one of the best referees in Uzbekistan at the young age of 33.

Starting his career on the green field from a young age, Rustam is now the top choice to officiate prestigious international matches, including the U-17 and U-23 Asian Cups.

In 2024, he was awarded the title of the best referee in the Uzbekistan League due to his consistency and bravery in making difficult decisions.

Not only that, Rustam's experience also includes important matches in the Asian Games and World Cup Qualifiers. Although widely recognized, his career journey has not been without scrutiny, with several controversial decisions attracting criticism.

2. Rustam's Officiating Statistics on the Field

With an impressive record, Rustam has been a highlight in the football world since officiating 89 matches up to November 16, 2024. Throughout his career, he has issued 418 yellow cards, 20 direct red cards, and 10 second yellow cards, demonstrating high firmness and discipline.

In his last five matches, Rustam has further shown his authority by issuing 22 yellow cards, two red cards, and one second yellow card, including in prestigious matches such as the Uzbekistan League, AFC Champions League Division 2, and international friendly matches.

In addition to serving as the main referee, he is often trusted as the fourth official, with a total of 19 assignments. His expertise in managing player emotions and situations on the field makes him a reliable figure to lead major matches.

3. Track Record in International Matches

Rustam, a figure who once led crucial matches in prestigious tournaments such as the 2022 Asian Games, once again drew attention with his controversial decision during the match between North Korea and Japan.

In the 80th minute, he awarded a penalty to Japan, which immediately sparked strong protests from North Korean players who felt that the decision was extremely unfair.

In the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Rustam demonstrated his bravery in officiating matches such as Bahrain vs Japan and South Korea vs Iraq, where he did not hesitate to issue a red card after reviewing VAR.

On the domestic stage, particularly in the Uzbekistan League, Rustam's meticulousness in analyzing fouls in the penalty area has earned him praise from football observers, reinforcing his reputation as a bold and professional referee.

4. Rustam and His Relationship with the Indonesian National Team

Rustam Lutfullin is back in the spotlight as the referee on the field for the Indonesian national team. On June 11, 2024, he successfully officiated the match against the Philippines in the Second Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, where Indonesia secured a 2-0 victory without significant controversy.

However, Rustam's journey in the Southeast Asian football world has not always been smooth; several controversial decisions in previous matches had drawn sharp criticism from observers.

As the crucial duel against Saudi Arabia approaches, hopes are rising that Rustam can provide fair decisions and maintain the integrity of the match, especially with the presence of VAR technology to assist him in ensuring fairness on the field.

5. What Can Be Expected from Rustam in the Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia Match?

With an impressive track record, Rustam is known as a referee who leads matches with undeniable firmness. He does not hesitate to issue cards, both yellow and red, to enforce discipline on the field, especially when facing serious fouls or unsportsmanlike behavior.

Rustam's decisions are often influenced by VAR analysis, which could be a crucial factor in the exciting match between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, where both teams are fighting hard for maximum points.

For the Indonesian national team, facing a characterful referee like Rustam is a challenge in itself; the players' emotional control and high discipline will be key to avoiding decisions that could harm them.

(kpl/rmt)