PSSI Together with PSSI Press Holds Refereeing Workshop for Media, Discussing Referee Evaluation and the Role of VAR

Viralterkini.idJakarta – PSSI is again collaborating with PSSI Press to hold a Refereeing Workshop for the media which will be held on Wednesday (21/1) in the PSSI Press Secretariat Room, GBK Arena Jakarta, starting at 15.00 WIB until finished.

This workshop presented representatives of PSSI and members of the PSSI Referee Committee, including the Chair of the PSSI Referee Committee, Yoshimi Ogawa and Pratap Singh from the PSSI Referee Department. Both of them will provide presentations regarding referee performance updates, including evaluation and feedback on referee performance in the BRI Super League 2025/26 and Pegadaian Championship 2025/26 competitions, as well as various other updates to media crew.

In his presentation, Yoshimi Ogawa apologized to the clubs for a number of referee decision-making errors which had an impact on the match results. He admitted that ideally evaluation sessions like this would be held every four to six match weeks, but implementing follow-up sessions takes time.

“We are aware that there were some mistakes that had an impact on the outcome of the match and we truly apologize to the club. We need to minimize the gap in interpretive understanding between referees, and that is the reason we have to continue with sessions like this,” said Ogawa.

At the workshop, the PSSI Referee Committee will also specifically discuss the role of VAR (Video Assistant Referee), including when VAR can intervene and when it should not, as well as how to recognize and assess various incidents on the field. Ogawa emphasized that openness of information is important so that the media can convey correct explanations to the public and football supporters.

“We are very honest in providing explanations and examples. The aim is for fans to get correct information through the media,” he added.

Ogawa also explained that PSSI continues to provide quality improvement programs for referees to equalize understanding, especially regarding positions and movements on the field. According to him, as the first half of the Super League completes and enters the second half of the competition, as well as the crucial round of the Pegadaian Championship which enters the third round, it is hoped that the quality of the referee’s decisions will continue to improve.

Regarding the possibility of bringing in foreign referees again in the second round of the Super League, Ogawa said PSSI was open to inviting quality referees from abroad. However, the limited schedule of top Asian referees who are on duty in the AFC Champions League Elite and ACL 2 events is a challenge in itself.

“In principle, currently we also have confidence in local referees. Wherever possible we will appoint local referees, although we still have the opportunity to bring in quality foreign referees,” he explained.

He also mentioned the presence of Yamamoto Yudai as a full-time foreign referee, who is believed to be able to provide quality decisions on the field.

Furthermore, Ogawa emphasized that the main task of the referee and the Referee Committee is to make reports that are honest and based on facts in accordance with the Laws of the Game. The issue of sanctions and the number of player suspensions is entirely the authority of the PSSI Disciplinary Committee (Komdis), not the referee.

“Our responsibility is only to ensure that the referee gives an honest report, only facts. The decision on punishment rests with the Disciplinary Committee,” stressed Ogawa.

Through this workshop, PSSI hopes that synergy between refereeing and the media can be established better, as well as increasing public understanding of refereeing decisions in national football competitions. (ma)