Who is Kim Woo-Sung? Referee who allowed Qatar's controversial goal robbing India of FIFA WC qualification

Gurpreet Sandhu with referees during India vs Qatar (Pic: Screengrab)

Poor refereeing robbed India of a chance to secure a historic entry into the third round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifier as fancied Qatar rode on a controversial goal to emerge 2-1 winners on Tuesday.

India were ahead thanks to Lallianzuala Chhangte's 37th minute strike but disaster struck when the referee adjudged Yousef Aymen's goal as fair after the ball appeared to have gone out of play.

The hugely controversial decision disturbed India's momentum as Asian champions Qatar scored their second through Ahmed Al-Rawi in the 85th minute.

In another final second round match, Kuwait beat Afghanistan 1-0. Qatar and Kuwait thus progressed to the second round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifier.

Playing barely five days after the international retirement of arguably the country's greatest footballer Sunil Chhetri, not many gave the beleaguered 121-ranked side a chance, but Igor Stimac's wards turned the tables in style and looked on course after Chhangte's strike.

Who was the referee during India vs Qatar?

Kim Woo-Sung, a 36-year-old from South Korea, has presided over matches in the prestigious K League 1, officiated in AFC Cup fixtures, and commanded the field in World Cup qualification Asia games, accumulating a total of 15 appearances.

Also Read: AIFF writes to FIFA, AFC over controversial goal in WC Qualifier against Qatar

Although the precise motivation behind Kim Woo-Sung's choice remains ambiguous, his professional background prompts inquiries regarding his adeptness in managing the intense demands of crucial World Cup qualifiers.

Match officials during India vs Qatar

Referee: Kim Woo-Sung (KOR)

Assistant referee 1: Kang Dong Ho (KOR)

Assistant referee 2: Cheon Jin Hee (KOR)

Fourth Official: Abdyldaev Daiyrbek (KGZ)

Match Commissioner: Hamed Momeni (IRN)

Referee Assessor: Basel Al Hajjar (SYR)

On microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter), fans spewed anger following the controversial goal that Gurpreet's India could not do much about. "FIFA Rank 34th Qatar, robbed 121nd ranked India of a football world cup qualification with this goal that was noting but blatant #cheating (sic)," wrote one user. Below are a few reactions:

India's squad against Qatar: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (captain and GK); Anwar Ali, Rahul Bheke, Mehtab Singh; Jay Gupta (Nandhakumar Sekar 87'), Suresh Wangjam, Jeakson Singh, Brandon Fernandes (Sahal Abdul Samad 63'); Lallianzuala Chhangte (Edmond Lalrindika 87'), Rahim Ali (Liston Colaco 63'), Manvir Singh (Vikram Partap Singh 79').