Khaberni - The referees committee of the Gulf Football Union announced the appointment of the Portuguese Joao Pinheiro to manage the Saudi Arabia vs Kuwait match today, Wednesday, at the opening of the Arabian Gulf Football Cup "Gulf 27" in Jeddah.
Pinheiro is assisted by his compatriots Pedro Ribeiro and Luciano Maya, while the Qatari Mohamed Ahmed Al-Shamri takes on the role of the fourth official, and the video assistant referee (VAR) team includes the Chinese Fu Ming and the Moroccan Hamza Al-Farq.
Who is Joao Pinheiro?
Pinheiro is 38 years old and has been an international referee since 2016, possessing extensive experience in officiating games at both the European and international levels.
The Portuguese referee participated in the 2026 World Cup, and one of the notable matches he officiated was the Argentina vs Switzerland quarter-final, which ended with a 3-1 victory for the Argentine team after extra time.
Pinheiro also refereed the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final in the 2025-2026 season between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
He previously led the 2025 UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur, and was the fourth official in the UEFA Champions League final that same year between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan.
During the Argentina vs Switzerland quarter-final match at the 2026 World Cup, Pinheiro drew attention due to a heated discussion with the captain of the Argentine team, Lionel Messi.
The incident occurred in the 42nd minute of the first half, when Messi expressed his anger at the way the Portuguese referee spoke to him, appearing while pointing at him demanding respect.
According to media reports based on readings of their dialogue, Messi demanded the referee speak to him in a proper manner and not to diminish his respect, asserting that he addresses him in the same way.
Pinheiro did not issue any card to Messi and continued managing the game, which ended with Argentina's win 3-1 after extra time and their qualification to the semi-finals.
Pinheiro later spoke about the incident, stating in an interview with the Portuguese channel "Canal 11" that such dialogues also occur with other players, and Messi being involved drew greater attention.
The Portuguese referee explained that conversations between referees and players and differing views on certain situations are natural in football.
Pinheiro is now back at the forefront of the Arab scene, having been chosen by the Gulf Football Union to lead the opening match of Gulf 27 between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
