Referee Omar Mohamed Ahmed Hadda Al-Ali will officiate the China vs Indonesia match, Will it be refereed again?

JAKARTA – Referee Omar Mohamed Ahmed Hadda Al-Ali from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been officially appointed to officiate the China vs Indonesia match at the Qingdao Youth Football Stadium, 15 October 2024.

The referee born in Sharjah (UAE) 16 February 1988 is no stranger to the event 2026 World Cup Qualifier Group C Asia Zone.

Previously, referee Al-Ali officiated Australia’s match against Bahrain in round 1 of the 2026 World Cup Qualifying Group Asia Zone C at the Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast, on 5 September 2024.

As a result, Australia lost against Bahrain 0-1 due to an own goal in the 89th minute. Australia also had to play with 10 players after referee Al-Ali red-carded striker Kusini Yengi in the 77th minute.

In this match, the referee Al-Ali also issued 5 yellow cards, 3 to the Socceroos players (nickname for the Australian national team) and 2 to the keepers of Al-Ahmar (nickname for the Bahrain national team )

For the Indonesian national team, the appointment of referee Al-Ali from the UAE reminds of the bitter incident of the 2-2 draw against Bahrain at the Bahrain National Stadium, Riffa, on Thursday (10/10/2024).

Remembering that Garuda’s team victory that was in sight was lost as Oman referee Ahmed Al-Kaf allowed a Bahrain player’s goal as injury time expired.

Of course, the appointment of the referee from the UAE, Al-Ali, must be a concern for the Indonesian national team when they are hosted by the Lóngzhī Duì or the Dragon team. Remembering that the referee from the Middle East is famous for throwing out yellow cards.

Data from Besoccer during the 2024/2025 season, referee Al-Ali presided over 5 matches, issued 24 yellow cards and gave 2 penalties.

This table does not include Australia’s final match against Bahrain in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Asia Zone Group C. In this match, referee Al-Ali sent off 5 yellow cards, 1 red card and 1 penalty.

(wh)