Shin Tae-yong Axed from Indonesia: FIFA Punishes, Fans Fume! What Went Wrong?

Indonesia faced disciplinary action from FIFA due to the controversy surrounding their sudden dismissal of coach Shin Tae-yong.

On the 11th (local Korean time), local media outlets such as CNN Indonesia reported that FIFA imposed a fine of 400 million rupiah (approximately 33.92 million won) on the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI). Additionally, FIFA ordered the closure of 15 percent of seats for upcoming home matches due to an incident during the game between Indonesia and Bahrain. This occurred in the eighth match of the third round of Asia’s qualification stage for the 2026 North America-China World Cup held at Glora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on March 25. The issue arose because several fans chanted xenophobic and racist remarks starting from the 35th minute into the second half, even though Indonesia led with a score of 1-0.
In response, besides taking disciplinary measures, FIFA recommended that PSSI develop a thorough strategy aimed at preventing discrimination. Ariah Sinulingga, who serves as a commissioner for PSSI, commented: “While accepting FIFA’s sanctions isn’t simple, this situation underscores our understanding that acts like racism, xenophobia, and hateful speech serve no purpose.”

The sanctions imposed on Indonesia mean they can host fewer fans compared to the previous game at Glora Bung Karno Stadium where 77,913 people attended during their ninth match in the third qualifying round against China in Jakarta on June 5. This isn’t only about penalties; several key Indonesian players won’t be available for the upcoming clash with China either. Notable absentees include midfielder Marcelino Ferdinand, goalkeeper Martinus Priyo Nisaka, as well as defenders Kevin Diggys and Dean Hams. While Ferdinand and Priyo received yellow cards leading up to this point, Diggys and Hams remain sidelined due to injury concerns. At present, Indonesia stands fourth in the playoffs table with nine points from eight matches played so far—trailing behind both Bahrain occupying the fifth spot and China holding onto the sixth position with more than six points between them.

When this news breaks, the Chinese football world is abuzz. According to Tencent’s report on Indonesia’s sanctions imposed by FIFA and exclusion from the starting lineup on the 12th, they mentioned: “In upcoming matches, Indonesian supporters won’t find it easy to cheer freely, nor can the Indonesian squad escape the repercussions of these penalties. These factors could destabilize both player morale and strategic execution.” This presents a rare chance for the Chinese national team; we must concentrate on securing away wins and fully capitalize on our strengths to clinch those crucial three points.
Chinese internet users concur that Indonesia’s win over Bahrain ought to result in a scoreline of 0-3 forfeit instead. The reasoning behind this claim is that should Indonesia lose to Bahrain, they would end up level on points with China. Depending upon how things pan out in their final two fixtures, China might still stand a good shot at progressing into the playoff stage.

It remains uncertain whether China’s desire will be fulfilled. According to CNN Indonesia, FIFA may lessen the penalty of closed stands provided that 15% of the tickets are allocated to anti-discrimination groups, families, students, and women, along with banners displaying anti-discrimination messages being hung at PSSI venues. It is also anticipated that FIFA’s choice to levy fines rather than enforce forfeiture penalties will remain unchanged.

Reporter Park Sang-kyung ppark@IndoNEWSian.com