Continuation Of Letter Of Protest To FIFA And AFC, Indonesian National Team Manager: Get Reply

The Bahrain vs Indonesia match gave birth to controversy (doc. AFC).

JAKARTA - The manager of the Indonesian national team, Sumardji, reported that PSSI's protest letter to FIFA and AFC had received a reply. However, the reply was a little confusing.

Previously, it was known that a letter of protest was sent regarding referee Ahmed Al Kaf who led the Indonesian national team match against Bahrain on October 10, 2024.

The referee from Oman was considered controversial because he approved Bahrain's equalizer goal in the 90+9 minute. In fact, injury time only lasted six minutes.

Regarding the protest letter sent by PSSI, Sumardji said that the AFC had replied to a letter on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 12.00 WIB.

"Earlier at 12 this afternoon, I received a reply to the protest letter that we sent from the AFC. The AFC stated that the protest was not received and for more details we were asked to send a letter to FIFA," Sumardji said in a statement when contacted Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

Sumardji said PSSI had also reported the controversy between referee Ahmed Al Kaf at the Bahrain vs Indonesia duel to FIFA.

However, from the letter sent, FIFA replied that the Indonesian federation should send a report to the AFC.

"Actually, we have also sent FIFA, the answer is that we were asked to send a letter to the AFC, this is a bit strange," said Sumardji.

Based on AFC's explanation, Sumardji stated that the results of the Indonesian national team's match against Bahrain would not change. The 2-2 draw between Bahrain vs Indonesia remained.

"He answered (AFC) that a letter of protest had been received and would not affect the outcome of the match. For further details, please report to FIFA, in essence, that is the reply to the letter. The answer to the letter is like that at 12 this afternoon," said Sumardji.

Despite the protests, the steps taken by the Indonesian national team in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers will continue. After a 2-2 draw from Bahrain, the Garuda Squad will face China in Group C of the 2026 World Cup Qualification at the Qingdao Stadium, China, Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 19.00 WIB.