OFA backs Al Kaaf after exclusion from 2025 Fifa Club World Cup list

Observer

18-04-2025

MUSCAT: The Oman Football Association (OFA) has announced an official statement to provide their full support for international referee Ahmed al Kaaf and his umpiring team including Abubaker al Amari and Rashid al Ghaithi following Al Kaaf's exclusion from officiating in the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup.
The OFA said in a statement: 'The OFA expresses its denouncement of the exclusion of the Omani international refereeing team, led by referee Ahmed al Kaaf, from the list of referees for the Fifa Club World Cup. The Association reaffirms its full support for the Omani refereeing team in achieving their legitimate right to participate in major Fifa tournaments, most notably the World Cup 2026.'
'The Oman Football Association's Chairman held a phone call with the President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), during which he expressed his surprise at the exclusion of international referee Ahmed al Kaf from the list. He also mentioned the unusual circumstances surrounding his previous exclusion from the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022, despite his high caliber and extensive experience.'
'In his call, the OFA chairman reaffirmed his confidence in the abilities of referee Ahmed al Kaaf, pointing to the significant tasks he was entrusted with by the AFC to officiate prominent international matches, which he handled with professionalism and competence. The OFA chairman also called on the AFC Referees Committee's criteria for selecting referees for such major tournaments to be revealed, calling for greater clarity on the matter and for the selection of the appointed referees to be carefully evaluated, particularly since Ahmed al Kaaf is considered one of the most prominent candidates to participate in the World Cup 2026,' OFA statement clarified.
On the other side, the General Secretary of OFA communicated with the Director of the Referees Department at the AFC and during the call, he confirmed the eligibility of referee Ahmed al Kaaf and his team to be included on the Fifa Club World Cup referees list. He called for clarification of the reasons for the exclusion and the disclosure of the selection criteria, the statement added.
'In conclusion, OFA appreciates the great support of the Omani fans and the local sports media for the national refereeing team; and renews its full commitment to continue supporting international referee Ahmed al Kaaf and his team; and to defend their legitimate right to be included in the list of World Cup referees, by taking all approved measures and procedures, believing in their high competence and ability to represent the Sultanate of Oman in the best way in international forums,' the statement ended.
On Tuesday, the Fifa announced the match officials list who are appointed for landmark Fifa Club World Cup 2025 without an Omani umpiring team. Al Kaaf, who hails from Salalah, was among the initial nominated referees for Fifa World Cup in the beginning of 2024. Furthermore, Oman's umpiring team led by Al Kaaf officiated in the last edition of the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar last year and they delivered an outstanding performance. Furthermore, they took part in officiating many major Asian matches and events including: AFC Elite Cup, AFC U-23 Asian Cup, AFC Champions league and other essential final matches. Also, Oman's Al Kaaf took part in several workshops organised by Fifa last year including the gathering in Dubai city in January.