A Saudi referee selected to officiate at the football World Cup in Russia, is facing an investigation over suspected corruption.
The Saudi Football Federation (SFF) said Saturday it had excluded Fahad Al Mirdasi from refereeing the final of the country's prestigious King's Cup.
The federation added in an online statement that Al Mirdasi was under investigation, but without giving the reason.
However, the Saudi-owned newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat said Al Mirdasi will be interviewed about suspected corruption.
The paper cited allegations that the 32-year-old referee had contacted the head of one of the two finalists in the King's Cup and requested money.
There has been no immediate comment either from the SFF or Al Mirdasi on the report. FIFA told media it was a matter for the Saudi federation.
The decision to exclude Al Mirdasi came hours before the fixture that was held late Saturday in the Saudi city of Jeddah in the presence of King Salman.
Al Mirdasi is one of five Arab referees picked by FIFA for the World Cup in Russia, starting on June 14. He officiated at the Confederations Cup last year.
In November, dozens of Saudi royals, state officials and businessmen were rounded up for alleged corruption in an unprecedented clampdown in the oil-rich kingdom.
The arrests were made on the orders of an anti-corruption committee led by powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The majority of the suspects were later released after having reached financial settlements with authorities.
