FIFA ignores Bahrain’s request to change venue: PSSI – Middle East and Africa

The Group C match of the 2026 World Cup qualification is scheduled for March 25 at the main stadium of Bung Karno Sports Complex in Jakarta.

“I am confident that FIFA will not consider Bahrain’s request. If so, they would talk to us about the feasibility of hosting the game,” Yunus said, as quoted by kompas.com on Friday.

Yunus pointed out that Indonesia has a good relationship with FIFA.

“FIFA usually consults with us and the government before every match, so it is unlikely they will respond to Bahrain’s request,” Yunus added.

Indonesia successfully hosted various international tournaments under FIFA, such as the 2023 U-17 World Cup, which went smoothly.

Indonesia also successfully organized various sporting multi-events such as the World Beach Games 2023 in Bali.

In 2018, Indonesia easily hosted the quadrennial Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang. The quadrennial event is second only to the Olympic Games in terms of the number of participating athletes.

Jakarta also hosts two badminton tournaments every year, in which the best shuttlers in the world take part.

The BFA’s request for a neutral location was due to security concerns following online threats and hacker attacks on its official website. Bahrain expressed concerns about security, particularly after online harassment by Indonesian internet users.

This situation arose shortly after the 2-2 draw between Bahrain and Indonesia on October 10 at the Bahrain National Stadium, which was marked by controversy over the refereeing of Omani referee Ahmed Al Kaf.

Al Kaf left the game until 90+9. minute, although he initially only announced six minutes of extra time. In extended extra time, Bahrain managed to score another goal to level the score.

However, the equalizer officially came in the 90th + 6th minute. Minute.

Bahraini players also behaved unsportsmanlikely by feigning injury and diving to score a free kick.

Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo emphasized that the Bahraini national team should not be afraid to compete in Indonesia.

“I think Indonesia is very safe,” Dito said in Jakarta on Tuesday, as quoted by kompas.com.

He suggested Indonesia should be awarded a win by default if Bahrain still refuses to play in Jakarta in March 2025.

“We hope so too [a win by forfeit if they don’t want to play in Indonesia]said Ditto.

The BFA has said its decision not to play in Indonesia means it is prepared to accept a 3-0 defeat rather than risk the safety of its players and officials.

Before Indonesia’s match against China in Qingdao on October 15, UAE referee Omar Al Ali had to restrict his Instagram account because he feared he would also fall victim to attacks from Indonesian football fans.

However, despite the 2-1 defeat to China, Indonesian football fans only praised the Emirati referee for officiating the game fairly.

Many Indonesian football fans even followed Al Ali’s Instagram account to show their support.