Elias Dolah, a center-back for the Thai national team, posted on his personal Instagram account following the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 final at Gelora Bung Karno stadium in Jakarta. Dolah first praised Thailand's performance before congratulating Indonesia on their championship win. "You can be proud of Thailand's performance," Dolah wrote in English.

He then continued in Indonesian, stating, "And congratulations Indonesia. Stupid referee, but congratulations."

Elias Dolah playing in Thailand in 2017. Photo: thai-fussball

Dolah, who stands 1,96 m tall, has a Thai father and a Swedish mother. Born in Sweden, he has represented Thailand since 2019. The 33-year-old center-back played for Bali United in Indonesia from 2023 to 2025 before returning to Thailand to join Buriram United. Dolah was not included in Thailand's squad for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.

Dolah did not specify which of Ahrol Risqullaev's decisions angered him. However, the final match between Indonesia and Thailand was tense, featuring a red card and multiple instances of players pressuring the Uzbekistan referee.

Thailand played with one less player from the 81st minute after Nicholas Mickelson received his second yellow card for a foul on forward Ole Romeny. The defender, who plays for SV Elversberg in the Bundesliga, had previously received a yellow card.

Despite being down to 10 men, Thailand took the lead in extra time. Peeradol Chamrasamee scored in the 110th minute, giving the visiting team a 2-1 advantage. Five minutes later, Indonesia equalized 2-2 through Elkan Baggott, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.

Indonesia won the shootout 4-2 to claim the championship. Sarach Yooyen hit the post, while goalkeeper Emil Audero saved Nattapong Sayriya's shot. This victory marks Indonesia's first FIFA ASEAN Cup title.

Key moments from the Indonesia - Thailand match in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 final.

Referee Risqullaev, a 41-year-old from Uzbekistan, received his FIFA license in 2017. He has officiated numerous international and club-level matches across Asia. Before the final, Indonesian media acknowledged his experience, noting that he had refereed World Cup 2026 qualifiers, U20 and U23 Asian championships, and several international friendlies.

At the club level, Risqullaev has officiated in the AFC Challenge League, AFC Cup, and AFC Champions League. He also refereed two AFC Cup 2022 matches involving Indonesian clubs: Bali United against Kedah Darul Aman and PSM Makassar against Kedah Darul Aman. In the PSM - Kedah match, he issued 11 yellow cards and two red cards.

For the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 final, Risqullaev was assisted by his compatriots Sanjar Shoyusupov and Akmal Giyosov. The video assistant referee (VAR) team was also entirely from Uzbekistan, with Akobbir Shukurullaev as the VAR and Alisher Usmanov as his assistant.

Leading Thai newspapers have not yet commented on Dolah's remarks. The 33-year-old center-back has not played any matches for the national team this year.

Hoang An (according to CNN Indonesia)