Indonesia responds to Bahrain’s request for neutral venue

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: hussainm@newsobahrain.com

In response to Bahrain’s concerns, the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) reassured Bahrain that full security would be provided for their national team during their visit to Jakarta.

Arya Sinulingga, a member of the PSSI Executive Committee, stated, “We will ensure the safety and comfort of our Bahraini guests. Indonesia is known for its hospitality, and we will leave no stone unturned in making them feel secure.”

Sinulingga also noted Indonesia’s strong track record of hosting international events, such as the 2023 U-17 World Cup, without any major security issues. Indonesia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo, also weighed in, dismissing Bahrain’s request to move the match.

“There is no reason to relocate the game. The match will be held in Jakarta as scheduled, and we are fully prepared to host it. If Bahrain refuses to play here, Indonesia will be awarded the three points,” Ariotedjo emphasized.

AFC Acknowledges Concerns

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has been informed of the concerns raised by the Bahrain Football Association regarding the safety and security of their national team ahead of the away match in the Asian qualifiers—the road to the 2026 World Cup—in Group C against Indonesia, scheduled for March 25, 2025.

Controversial Officiating Fuels Fan

Backlash The October 10 match in Riffa became a flashpoint for controversy when referee Ahmed Al Kahf extended injury time from the original six minutes to nine, allowing Bahrain to equalize in the 99th minute.

This decision ignited outrage among Indonesian fans, who accused the Omani referee of bias. Indonesian supporters took to social media in droves, venting their frustrations and directing online harassment toward the BFA, Bahraini players, and AFC officials.

The intensity of the backlash, which included cyberattacks on the BFA’s social media platforms and threats to Bahraini players, prompted Bahrain to appeal to both FIFA and the AFC to move the second leg to a neutral venue. The second leg is scheduled for March 25, 2025. In their formal statement, the BFA emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of their athletes and officials.

The officiating during the October 10 match remains a focal point of controversy. Indonesia had been leading 2-1 when referee Ahmed Al Kahf extended injury time, allowing Bahrain to snatch a last-minute equalizer. Indonesian fans questioned the fairness of the added time, leading to a surge of online protests that ultimately escalated into personal threats against players and officials.

Indonesian striker Ragnar Oratmangoen and Bahrain’s Vincent Emmanuel were among the standout performers in the match, but their efforts were overshadowed by the heated fallout surrounding the refereeing decisions.

Awaiting a Final Decision

As both teams prepare for their second-leg encounter, Bahrain remains firm in its request for a neutral venue, while the PSSI continues to insist that the match will proceed in Jakarta. FIFA and the AFC have yet to announce a final decision regarding Bahrain’s appeal. The second-leg match is scheduled to take place on March 25, 2025, at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, pending a final ruling from the governing bodies. The outcome of this request is eagerly awaited, as the tension from the firstleg encounter looms large over this crucial World Cup qualifying fixture.