Persib Bandung has suffered another setback in continental competition after the AFC Appeal Committee rejected the club’s appeal in full, confirming the disciplinary sanctions imposed following supporter unrest during their AFC Champions League Two campaign.
The decision, dated 13 August 2026, means Persib must pay a total fine of US$200,000 and serve a home-match sanction without spectators.
The disciplinary case stems from crowd trouble following Persib’s elimination from the 2025/26 AFC Champions League Two at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api (GBLA) on 18 February.
The AFC Appeal Committee confirmed that Persib’s challenge against the original disciplinary decision had been unsuccessful.
“Persib Bandung (IDN)’s appeal against decision VVC 20260513DC13 is rejected in its entirety.”
The Indonesian club has been ordered to settle the US$200,000 fine within 30 days of receiving the decision, in accordance with Article 11.3 of the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Code.
The sanction was originally imposed by the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee after incidents involving Persib supporters during the club’s ACL Two campaign.
According to the disciplinary ruling, Persib were found to have breached Articles 64 and 65 of the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Code, as well as Article 35 concerning AFC regulations and safety and security requirements.
The incident occurred after Persib were eliminated by Thailand’s Ratchaburi FC in the Round of 16.
Persib won the second leg 1-0 at GBLA, but the result was not enough to overturn their 3-0 defeat in the first leg in Thailand.
Ratchaburi therefore progressed with a 3-1 aggregate victory.
The elimination triggered frustration among sections of the Persib support, with unrest breaking out at the stadium after the match.
Some supporters expressed their anger over what they perceived as controversial refereeing decisions and other factors that they believed had worked against Persib.
The AFC subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings, eventually handing Persib the financial and sporting sanctions.
The appeal rejection has immediate consequences for Persib’s next continental campaign.
Persib are scheduled to face Manila Digger in the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27 playoff on 31 August 2026.
The match will be played behind closed doors, meaning Persib will not have their supporters inside the stadium for the crucial continental fixture.
The absence of the club’s famous home support represents a significant blow as Persib attempt to secure their place in the 2026/27 group stage.
The second home-match suspension has, however, been placed under a two-year probationary period.
Under the AFC ruling, if Persib commit a similar offence during the probation period, the suspended sanction can be activated and additional disciplinary measures may follow.
The US$200,000 penalty represents a substantial financial burden for Persib, while the closed-door punishment also removes one of the club’s biggest advantages.
Credit Photo : RBFC
