The FIFA has imposed a fine of $25,000 on the IndonesianFootball Association (PSSI) and mandated a decrease in stadium capacity following an investigation which revealed that some supporters from the home team exhibited discriminative conduct during a World Cup qualifier match with Bahrain.
The game, which took place on March 25 at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, resulted in a 1–0 win for Indonesia with an attendance of 69,599 viewers. Nevertheless, FIFA discovered that approximately 200-300 Indonesian supporters chanted xenophobic and hate-filled messages towards Bahrain during the 80th minute. The PSSI was officially notified about the sanctions on May 11.
In addition to the $25,000 penalty, Indonesia must decrease the seating capacity by 15% for their upcoming home game against China on June 5, which is part of the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This reduction will impact around 11,500 seats out of the total 77,193 at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, specifically affecting areas located behind both goals.
Cutting back on capacity deals a significant setback for Indonesia before an important game. China presently ranks last in Group C with six points, only three points shy of second place, which is occupied by Indonesia. Winning on June 5 could reignite their chances of progressing to the fourth stage of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
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Fans from Indonesia during the match against Bahrain in the 2026 World Cup qualifier held at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on March 25, 2025. The photo was taken by @maartenpaes via Instagram. |
Arya Sinulingga, a member of the PSSI Executive Committee, mentioned that FIFA might permit these positions to be occupied by individuals from anti-discrimination organizations.
“We need to submit a plan to FIFA 10 days prior to the match,” Sinulingga stated.
Bola
These spots can be taken by supporters from the anti-discrimination group, and they are required to show banners promoting non-discriminatory values.
This isn’t the first time Indonesian fans have been involved in controversies with Bahrain. During their last match on October 10, 2024, which concluded as a 2-2 tie, Indonesian supporters bombarded the Bahrain Football Association’s (BFA) site and social platforms with offensive posts targeting both Bahraini athletes and the Omani referee Ahmed Al Kaf. Following this incident, the BFA submitted an appeal to FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation for the second leg of the competition to take place at a neutral location; however, their request was denied.
Although PSSI guaranteed the visitors’ safety during the game on March 25, certain supporter behaviors have once more drawn attention and repercussions for the national squad.
In the past, Indonesia encountered comparable consequences. Following this,
2022 Kanjuruhan Stadium
Following the disaster that resulted in 133 fatalities due to a stampede, stadiums throughout the nation implemented a restriction limiting attendance to 50% of their capacity for a certain duration.
