FIFA Sanctions Do Not Influence The Indonesian National Team

JAKARTA - FIFA imposed sanctions and fines following several violations committed by the Indonesian national team and team officials.

However, the punishment did not make the mentality and performance of the Indonesian national team troops disturbed ahead of the two 2026 World Cup Qualification Third Round matches against Japan and Saudi Arabia.

"In this regard, it will not affect the performance of the players. Players will not be disturbed by the sanctions," said the Indonesian national team manager, Sumardji.

The sanctions from FIFA include violations committed by Sumardji for protesting excessively after the match between Bahrain vs Indonesia on October 10, 2024.

The Indonesian national team manager was fined 5,000 Swiss Franc or IDR 89.5 million plus a ban on accompanying the team for one match.

Then, the assistant coach of the Indonesian national team, Kim Jong-jin, was also punished for the same reason.

Kim Jong-jin was sentenced to four matches by being banned from accompanying the Indonesian national team and a fine of 5,000 Swiss Franc or Rp. 89.5 million.

Next is specifically for the Indonesian national team because they are late in holding matches according to the kick-off schedule.

Specifically for kick-off delays when hosting Australia, the Garuda Squad only received a warning from FIFA.

However, on another point, FIFA then sent a fine of 10,000 Swiss Franc or equivalent to Rp. 179.3 million because it caused the match between China vs the Indonesian national team to withdraw from the kick-off schedule.

"It's a normal thing, why ordinary? When fighting China, that's indeed the situation 0-2 behind."

"We really pumped up the spirit and determined the right strategy so we could equalize or at least break into China's goal," Sumardji said about the delay in kick-off against China.

However, there is nothing to worry about regarding the mentality and performance of the Indonesian national team players.

The Garuda Squad will play two matches of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Third Round at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium against Japan (15 November 2024) and Saudi Arabia (19 November 2024).