Persib Threatened by 2 Heavy Sanctions in the Asian Champions League 2: Fines and Reduction of Spectator Quota

Persib has the potential to condense the penalty of reducing the number of spectators in the Asian Champions League 2 (Persib doc).

JAKARTA - Two heavy sanctions loom over Persib Bandung in the 2025/2026 AFC Champions League Two (Asian Champions League). The situation occurred after the lights went out at the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium (GBLA), Bandung, after the match against Bangkok United.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, and was included in the match report. The penalty was a threat of a fine and a reduction in the quota of spectators in the stadium.

Regarding this, Deputy CEO of PT Persib Bandung Bermartabat (PBB), Adhitia Putra Herawan, said that the incident could affect Persib's readiness ahead of the 16th round of the Asian Champions League 2.

"We understand that yesterday was like a festival. So, we understand the euphoria and enthusiasm of Bobotoh. However, due to this incident, there are several potential sanctions that have emerged, there are concerns," said Adhit in a statement quoted on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

Furthermore, regarding this potential sanction, Adhit explained that the club had discussed it with the AFC. From the meeting, two sanction options emerged that could be imposed on Persib as a consequence.

"Last night we had a discussion with the AFC. There are two potential possibilities, namely the stadium is closed 50 percent or the most severe Persib without spectators in the 16th round later," said Adhitia.

The penalty of reducing the number of spectators is said to affect the appearance of the Maung Bandung players in the Asian Champions League 2. If you look at the previous match, the atmosphere in the stadium gives a big boost to the team.

"Honestly, in the last three matches, Bojan Hodak has said in the match against Dewa United, Borneo FC, and Bangkok United, he is very happy with the support of Bobotoh. I, sih, can say that the atmosphere of the stadium is extraordinary, the best, and makes players run endlessly," said Adhit.

Management noted a significant increase in the number of spectators in the last three home games. The data was used as a basis for the request that the number of spectator sanctions at GBLA could be reconsidered.

"The traffic of spectators continues to rise, from 19 thousand to 25 thousand, and yesterday against Bangkok United reached more than 28 thousand. Hopefully in the 16th round it can reach 32-35 thousand."

"If it is closed by half, it feels, from 38 thousand to only 19 thousand. If there are no spectators, it is even heavier, the loss is not only financial, but moral."

"Financial issues no longer need to be discussed, but it is the morale that has an impact on the enthusiasm of Bobotoh which is hype. Hopefully in the future we can better understand the rules and maintain the situation," said Adhit.