BRAIN-Indonesia 'MALT THREAT THREATS-HOST CONFLICT' AFC launchesAnnouncement of Urgent Statement "Consultation with FIFA and others to prepare the best solution"
Oct 18, 2024
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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has intervened in the conflict between Bahrain and Indonesia, which intensified over the venue of the A-match due to player safety.
AFC issued a statement on the 18th (Korea time) and stated that it recognized the concerns raised by the Bahrain Football Association (BFA) regarding the safety and security of the national team ahead of the match between Indonesia and Bahrain in Group C of the 3rd Asian qualifying round for the North-China World Cup, scheduled to be held in Indonesia on March 25, 2025, while the AFC takes these concerns seriously and is committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all players, referees, and fans, it is seriously concerned about all forms of online slander and threats.
The AFC then vowed to "create an environment to ensure that all stakeholders participating in the game are safe after further discussion with FIFA, BFA and the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) on this issue."
The host conflict between the two countries was triggered in the third Group C match of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup at Bahrain National Stadium in Lipa, Bahrain on the 11th. Until six minutes of extra time were given, coach Shin Tae-yong's Indonesia was leading 2-1, but the referee's closing whistle did not sound after six minutes, and the game ended after Bahrain scored a dramatic equalizer in nine minutes.
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After that, it turned out to be a head-on collision between the two associations ahead of the return match, which will be held in March next year after moving the venue to Indonesia. BFA "Some Indonesian fans are even threatening to kill Bahrain's national player, BFA."For the safety of the players, let them play in a place other than Indonesia for the sake of their safety," he said, sending an official request to the AFC.
PSSI was furious about this. PSSI says "Indonesia is an friendly country visited by numerous foreign tourists. I can make sure that the match against Bahrain is held safely and peacefully. The BFA's request to change the venue is unreasonable" and countered by delivering a letter to the AFC requesting a normal hosting.
In the end, AFC seems to have taken a quick position and mediated to prevent further conflict between the two sides. However, as the AFC chairman is from Bahrain, it remains to be seen whether he will lean toward Bahrain's advantage.
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