Japanese referee Yudai Yamamoto revealed his reasons for accepting the offer to become the first foreign referee to receive a full-time contract in Indonesian football competitions.
In Indonesia, Yamamoto will officiate matches under the I.League, such as the 2025/2026 BRI Super League. Yamamoto will begin work next month on a 1.5-season contract.
"Previously, throughout my career I have visited several countries and I have always had the desire to try experiences in various countries, especially this offer from Indonesia, I think it is very special because it focuses on the Super League," said Yamamoto when met by media crews at the I.League Office located at Menara Mandiri II, Jakarta, on Monday.
Besides the opportunity to officiate a match in Indonesia's top-tier competition, Yamamoto's reason for accepting the offer was because the people in Indonesia are very friendly.
