PSSI Will Write To AFC, Asks Bahrain To Stay Fair

PSSI finally responded to the official statement of the Bahrain Football Federation (BFA) asking for the Indonesia vs Bahrain match to be held in a neutral place, not at the headquarters of the Garuda Squad.

Through PSSI Executive Committee Member Arya Sinulingga, he will write to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to encourage Bahrain to be fair.

"We will write a letter to the AFC to state that the match should be fair in Jakarta because previously we will compete in Bahrain," said Arya Sinulingga.

As is known, BFA is afraid that the Bahrain national team will travel to the headquarters of the Indonesian national team for the second meeting in Group C of the Third Round of World Cup Qualification in March 2025.

BFA is worried about the safety of the Bahrain national team given the many threats and attacks on social media from supporters of the Indonesian national team.

Indonesian national team fans were furious and accused Bahrain and AFC of collusion to steal the victory of the Garuda Squad.

At the inaugural Group C meeting at the Bahrain National Stadium, Riffa, October 10, 2024, the Indonesian national team almost won.

However, Bahrain's second goal in the 90+9 minute which equalized was controversial.

Referee Ahmed Al Kaf, who led the match, has actually determined a six-minute injury time. However, he never blew the long whistle until finally Bahrain equalized the score.

The decision to controversy the referee from Oman made Indonesian supporters attack on social media, both on the official BFA account, the Bahrain national team, to the AFC by flooding the hashtag #AFCMafia.

Looking at the problem, Arya Sinulingga said that PSSI would ensure the security of Bahrain.

"Secondly, we will also inform that we will guarantee the safety and comfort of guests like Bahrain because our nation is a friendly nation for guests."

"So, we definitely make comfort for them. Regarding on social media, sometimes Indonesian netizens are busy, but actually they are friendly and kind."

"In his daily life, Indonesia is friendly, very famous, our nation is friendly," said Arya again.

Meanwhile, BFA on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, released an official statement against the Indonesian supporters' cyber attacks.

They condemned this behavior. Therefore, BFA will write to AFC and FIFA to move Indonesia vs Bahrain matches not in Jakarta.

BFA considers that the away party has the potential to endanger the Bahrain national team.