Bahrain FA Requests Venue Change After Online Harassment and Threats from Indonesian Fans

TDT | Manama

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The Bahrain Football Association (BFA) has expressed its strong condemnation of the unacceptable and irresponsible behavior exhibited by Indonesian fans following Bahrain’s recent match against Indonesia in the third round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In the wake of the match, BFA and the Bahraini national team players were subjected to a barrage of insults, threats, and cyber-attacks, leading to concerns for the safety of the players and staff.

The association revealed that its official website, social media accounts, and correspondence systems were hacked and flooded with offensive comments and threats. These actions also targeted the personal accounts of Bahraini players and fans. The BFA emphasized that such behavior is completely out of line with the spirit of sportsmanship and the values of football, which aim to unite people across borders.

In response, the BFA announced that it is formally addressing FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to inform them of these threats and request the relocation of the upcoming away match in Jakarta, Indonesia. The primary concern is the safety of the national team, which the association fears could be at risk if the match is held in Indonesia. The BFA stressed that player safety is of utmost importance and urged both FIFA and AFC to prioritize this when making their decision.

The BFA expressed its shock at the death threats received by Bahraini players on social media, noting that this level of hostility is unprecedented in football. In contrast, Bahrain welcomed more than 2,000 Indonesian fans for the home leg of the match, providing them with necessary facilities and ensuring a smooth entry into the stadium.

While the BFA rejects all forms of online harassment and cyber-attacks, it intends to bring the matter to international, human rights, and Islamic organizations, as well as journalist associations, to highlight the potential dangers faced by its team. The association reiterated that such campaigns not only endanger lives but also distort the essence of football, which is founded on mutual respect and sportsmanship.