Controversy erupted following Oman’s 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in Wednesday’s Arab Cup Group Two opener, as Omani manager Carlos Queiroz publicly questioned the officiating during a post-match press conference. Queiroz presented video evidence of a first-half challenge by Saudi defender Nawaf Bushal on Oman’s Sultan Al-Marzouq that was only issued a yellow card after VAR review, despite appearing to warrant a red. The contentious call has sparked debate amongst officials and fans alike, raising questions about the standard of officiating at the tournament.
Oman head coach Carlos Queiroz expressed strong dissatisfaction with the officiating in his team’s match against Saudi Arabia at the Arab Cup.
Oman fell to a controversial 2-1 defeat against Saudi Arabia in a hotly contested opening match for both teams in Group Two of the 2025 Arab Cup.
The match saw significant debate when Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh consulted the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) following a strong challenge by Saudi defender Nawaf Bushal on Oman’s Sultan Al-Marzouq.
Despite replays clearly showing a forceful impact on the Omani player’s leg, Makhadmeh, after VAR review, issued only a yellow card.
During the post-match press conference, Queiroz brought out an iPad to display the footage of the challenge, stating, “Unfortunately, when you work hard and then you have a referee like this, who overlooks and ignores a play like this, it’s difficult.”
He continued, “The Saudi player deserved a red card, and also the second goal for Saudi Arabia needed to be reviewed by VAR, but congratulations to Saudi Arabia.”
Several officiating experts, including former Egyptian international Gamal Al-Ghandour, have affirmed that Bushal should have been shown a red card and sent off.
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Oman coach Carlos Queiroz vehemently protested the officiating after a narrow loss to Saudi Arabia in their Arab Cup opener. The defeat, a 2-1 result, was marred by controversy surrounding a challenge in the first half.
The incident occurred when Saudi defender Nawaf Bushal went in hard on Oman’s Sultan Al-Marzouq. Despite a clear impact shown in replays, referee Adham Makhadmeh only issued a yellow card after consulting VAR.
Queiroz visibly expressed his frustration in the post-match press conference, presenting video evidence of the tackle and stating, “Unfortunately, when you work hard and then you have a referee like this, who overlooks and ignores a play like this, it’s difficult.” He further argued that Bushal should have been sent off with a red card and questioned a second Saudi goal that he believed warranted VAR review.
The Omani manager concluded with a gracious acknowledgement of his opponent, saying, “but congratulations to Saudi Arabia.” Several respected referees, including former Egyptian international Gamal Al-Ghandour, have since echoed Queiroz’s sentiment, asserting that a red card was the correct call. The result leaves both teams with work to do in Group Two as the tournament progresses.
