Bahrain Vs Indonesia: No Laser, The Referee Becomes

JAKARTA - The Bahrain national team is becoming a target in the country following a controversial match against the Indonesian national team on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

Indonesian netizens attacked the official accounts of the Bahrain Football Federation (BFA) and the Bahrain National Team. In fact, the cyber attacks spread to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Instagram account.

The leadership of the referee from Oman, Ahmed Al Kaf, who thwarted victory in front of Indonesia's eyes was the main cause.

AFC and Bahrain are called by Indonesian netizens as match fixing mafias. Moreover, netizens also linked the whereabouts of the AFC President, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who is a member of the Bahrain Kingdom (House of Khalifa) family.

Bahrain is now labeled as an unfair team during his participation in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

Bahrain's dirty ways to win at home have previously been done. Japan became a victim when they visited the Bahrain National Stadium on September 10, 2024.

Japanese players were attacked by lasers by Bahrain supporters and there seemed to be omission from BFA. Not only that, but Bahrain supporters also ridiculed the Japanese national anthem.

However, considering that Japan has the qualities well above Bahrain, the attack was raw. Blue Samurai can still slaughter Bahrain 5-0 in front of their supporters.

However, Japan did not want to remain silent. The Blue Samurai coach, Hajime Moriyasu, was furious at Bahrain.

"Every country has a different world culture and view. I want to accept that diversity."

"However, I would like to end the ridicule that occurred during the national anthem was played in the match and attempts to deter my players, which could cause physical damage to them," Moriyasu said.

In the aftermath, the Japanese Football Federation (JFA) reported the incident directly to FIFA, perhaps because it knew the AFC was filled with important Bahrain people.

FIFA finally imposed a fine for BFA of 10,000 Swis francs or equivalent to Rp. 181.6 million.

The World Football Federation said Bahrain committed two violations against Japan, namely repeated use of lasers targeting Japanese players and whistles during matches.

Difficulty Demanding Fair Play

Hajime Moriyasu became the person who voiced firmly about fair play. He was very unhappy with the non-technical fraud committed by Bahrain.

In fact, according to him, without any non-technical factors that injure the fair play, Bahrain played very well.

Moriyasu even praised Bahrain's game which made it quite difficult for his team.

"The Bahrain team is able to compete very fairly. I want fans to do the same."

"We didn't create many chances in the first half. Bahrain had his own chance to score."

"I'm glad we were able to overcome it. The final score was a big win for us, but it wasn't an easy game," Moriyasu said again.

After the match against Japan, Bahrain even acted again in the match against the Indonesian national team. This time there was no laser, but the referee finished.

As is known, the Indonesian national team has made an ultimatum to BFA regarding lasers. Through the manager of the Garuda Squad, Sumardji, Bahrain was urged to play fair play.

BFA also called for supporters to fully comply with the instructions given by security personnel at the stadium not to use lasers.

As a result, lasers did not exist throughout the Bahrain vs Indonesia match, but other stronger factors influenced the results.

Referee Ahmed Al Kaf is in the spotlight. His leadership is considered not to carry out the fair play principle and benefit Bahrain.

The Indonesian public is furious. Ahmed Al Kaf did not finish the match according to injury time.

The referee from Oman was accused of waiting for Bahrain to score a equalizer goal as well as thwarting the victory of the Indonesian national team.

Because of the incident, PSSI will also do the same thing in Japan, sending a letter of protest not only to the AFC, but also to FIFA.

PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir also implied that the final result was influenced by referee Ahmed Al Kaf.

"That's football. Many factors determine the final result," said Erick on PSSI's official website.

Apart from that, Erick Thohir further asked the Indonesian national team to forget the match against Bahrain and focus on looking at the meeting with China in the next party.

Controversial referee leadership matters should be the duty of the federation.

"There are many opinions about the match between the Indonesian national team against Bahrain. However, I hope the players and the coaching team have forgotten that."

"A more mature strategy to deal with China in four days," said the chairman of PSSI.

The Indonesian national team is currently slipped to fifth position in Group C of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Third Round with three points from three matches.

If the Indonesian national team could win against Bahrain, Shin Tae-yong's foster position could skyrocket to second place, right below Japan.