FAM Questions FIFA Over Indonesia - Bangladesh Added Time Change
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has formally demanded clarification from FIFA regarding a controversial change in stoppage time during the Indonesia versus Bangladesh FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 fixture at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, in a development that directly affected Malaysia's group stage fortunes.
FAM has confirmed it is treating the matter with considerable seriousness, specifically addressing the discrepancy in added time that was initially displayed as two minutes before subsequently being revised to seven minutes during the contest—a match that ultimately saw Indonesia secure a 9-2 victory, swinging goal difference decisively in the hosts' favor and relegating Malaysia to Group A runners-up status.
In response to the incident, FAM has announced it will submit an official application to the International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) seeking clarification on the basis, procedure, and circumstances that led to the change in stoppage time allocation.
The association emphasized that proper time management represents a critical component in ensuring matches are conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with established competition regulations—principles FAM believes warrant serious scrutiny given the stakes involved.
FAM stressed that the matter deserves appropriate attention precisely because the fixture in question involved direct competition to determine Group A's final standings, consequently affecting which team would qualify for the tournament final. The governing body noted that the outcome of the Indonesia-Bangladesh encounter had a direct and significant bearing on Malaysia's own tournament trajectory, given that goal difference ultimately separated the Malaysian and Indonesian sides at the top of the group.
FAM is urging FIFA to conduct a thorough review of the incident and provide a detailed explanation regarding the decisions made by match officials, including whether the change in stoppage time was implemented in accordance with the procedures and regulations currently in force governing the tournament.
Importantly, FAM was careful to clarify that the application is not intended to challenge the result of the match or dispute any team's achievement in the competition. Rather, the association stated its objective is to obtain an official explanation regarding the officiating process and procedures involved, specifically to avoid confusion arising from the incident and to ensure transparency in how such decisions are made going forward.
The timing and significance of FAM's intervention cannot be understated. Malaysia had themselves produced an emphatic 6-0 victory over Singapore in their own final group fixture, a result that would have been sufficient to secure top spot in Group A under most circumstances. However, Indonesia's 9-2 demolition of Bangladesh in the simultaneous fixture proved decisive, with the hosts' superior goal difference ultimately determining their position atop the group standings—a margin directly influenced by the extended stoppage time period now under formal scrutiny.
Credit Photo : ANTONIUS ADITYA MAHENDRA/KOMPAS.com
