Naturalized midfielder Thom Haye (number 19) dduring Indonesia’s 2-2 draw with Bahrain in the third qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup on Oct. 10, 2024. Photo by AFC
Indonesia drew 1-1 with Saudi Arabia and 0-0 with Australia in September. In October, the team drew 2-2 with Bahrain and lost 1-2 to China.
On Sept. 10, Indonesia delayed their match against Australia at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. FIFA only issued a warning for this violation. However, the issue was repeated in the away match against China on Oct. 15, causing Indonesia to be fined 10,000 Swiss francs (US$11,404).
Five days before that, they played Bahrain and controversy occurred over refereeing at the end of the match, with some members of Indonesia overreacting. Based on the match supervisor’s report, FIFA suspended team leader Kombes Pol Sumardji for one match and assistant coach Kim Jong-jin for four matches. Both were also fined 5,000 Swiss francs ($5,702) each.
The tension erupted after referee Ahmed Al Kaf allowed the game to continue for nine extra minutes when Indonesia were leading 2-1, and the official injury time had been announced earlier to be only six minutes.
At the 98th minute, Mohamed Marhoon scored the equalizer for Bahrain.
The match ended with the Indonesian coaching staff and players reacting in anger. A member of Indonesia received a straight red card, and defender Shayne Pattynama almost started a fight with a Bahrain member. The referee team was protected by security and escorted off the field.
The drama continued when the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) sent a complaint to FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) regarding the referee’s work in the game. Indonesian fans launched criticism, including death threats against Omani referee Al Kaf and members of Bahrain football team. The Oman Football Association and the Bahrain Football Association reported the incident to FIFA and the AFC, with Bahrain proposing to move the match against Indonesia at Gelora Bung Karno, on March 25, 2025, to a neutral venue.
FIFA and the AFC have not yet commented on the venue, but Bahrain’s proposal is not likely to come true. PSSI has affirmed that it will ensure absolute safety for Bahrain, and this incident does not represent the majority of Indonesian fans.
Indonesia are preparing for the next games of group C of the third qualifying round, hosting Japan on Nov. 15 and Saudi Arabia on Nov. 19. Coach Shin Tae-yong has been tasked with helping Indonesia finish at least fourth, to secure a place in the fourth qualifying round.
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