Want to play on neutral ground

BFA extremely frustrated

On October 17 (Vietnam time), on its official social media page, BFA posted a statement condemning the negative behavior of Indonesian fans: "BFA has been following this incident for the past few days. We cannot accept the behavior of Indonesian football fans towards BFA and Bahrain players after the recent match between the two teams in the third qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup. BFA strongly condemns the slanderous and threatening words from Indonesian fans on the internet. This is unacceptable, contrary to the noble purpose of football and sports : connecting people around the world together."

BFA announcement on official social media page

BFA asserted: "In order to ensure the safety of its members, especially Bahraini players, BFA is preparing to send a complaint to FIFA and AFC to denounce the unacceptable behavior that we have had to endure. The threats and defamation can also affect the safety of the Bahrain team when we go to Jakarta to play the second leg against the Indonesian team (scheduled to take place on March 25, 2025). BFA also proposed to move this match outside of Indonesia to ensure safety. This is BFA's top priority. In particular, the safety of the teams is also a top priority for FIFA and AFC."

According to BFA, many Indonesian fans have been constantly attacking Bahraini players on their personal social media pages, even threatening their lives. The reason is that Indonesian fans are still upset after the 2-2 draw with Bahrain on October 10. They believe that the referee was biased towards the West Asian representative, allowing the match to continue even though the extra time had ended, leading to the Indonesian team losing the victory because they conceded a goal in the 90+9 minute (this match had 6 minutes of extra time).

Indonesia also filed a complaint against the referee to the AFC but it was rejected.

What does Indonesia say?

The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has also received information about the BFA sending a request to FIFA and AFC to change the venue. PSSI Executive Committee member Arya Sinulingga responded on behalf of PSSI on this issue. Mr. Arya emphasized that PSSI will ensure the safety of the entire Bahrain team in the match taking place in March 2025.

The match between Bahrain and Indonesia took up a lot of ink.

CNN Indonesia quoted Mr. Arya: "We will write to the AFC to declare that the match will be held safely and fairly in Jakarta. We will ensure security, safety and comfort for the Bahrain team. Bahrain does not need to worry when coming to Indonesia. I believe that Indonesian citizens are polite people. Indonesia is always friendly to all tourists. We have also proven our capacity to organize tournaments when successfully hosting the U.17 World Cup finals in 2023."

The rematch between Indonesia and Bahrain is scheduled to take place at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on March 25, 2025. This is a stadium with a capacity of 78,000 seats. Therefore, Indonesia's opponents always have to face the noise and mental pressure every time they are guests at this stadium.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bi-cdv-indonesia-de-doa-du-doi-bahrain-cau-cuu-fifa-va-afc-muon-da-san-trung-lap-185241017010121869.htm