Bahrain Football Association (BFA) has officially requested that their FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifier Round 3 Group C against Indonesia, scheduled for 25 March 2024, be moved to a neutral venue, citing security concerns.
The request comes after a 2-2 draw on October 11, during which tensions erupted due to Omani referee Ahmed Al-Kaf extending the match beyond the six minutes of stoppage time, causing frustration among Indonesian supporters.
The backlash quickly escalated online, with angry Indonesian fans bombarding the BFA’s social media platforms with threats and launching cyberattacks. These actions have raised serious concerns within the BFA, particularly regarding the safety of their players and staff in the return fixture.
In an official statement, the BFA confirmed that they have notified both FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) about the threats and defamatory comments. The BFA has requested that the match be relocated to a neutral venue to ensure the security of their team.
In response, the Indonesia Football Association (PSSI) confirmed that the match is still planned to be held in Jakarta.
The PSSI emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety and convenience of Bahrain’s players and officials, asserting that Indonesia is a welcoming and friendly host. The PSSI plans to provide formal assurances to the BFA and international football bodies, guaranteeing a secure environment for all involved.
Credit Photo : AFC
