Bahrain Requests FIFA to Relocate Second Leg of World Cup Qualifiers Against Indonesia
The Bahrain Football Association (BFA) recently submitted an official request to FIFA for the second leg of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers between Indonesia and Bahrain, scheduled for March 25, 2025, to be relocated from Jakarta. The BFA cited security concerns as the primary reason behind this request.
This request follows the controversial first leg between the two teams. The BFA expressed concerns over security, particularly due to threats made by several Indonesian netizens after the match.
The first leg, which took place at Bahrain National Stadium on Thursday (10/6), ended in a 2-2 draw. Indonesia initially led the game, with Ragnar Oratmangoen scoring in the 45+3 minute and Rafael Struick adding another goal in the 74th minute.
Read also: Did the Ref Forget How to Count? 90 plus 6 Controversy in Indonesia vs Bahrain Match
However, Bahrain equalized in the 99th minute through Mohamed Marhoon, despite the referee initially adding only six minutes of stoppage time.
This late equalizer caused controversy and anger among Indonesian fans, who believed the goal was unfair given the extra time allocated.
The draw prevented Indonesia from securing second place in Group C of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, leaving them with only 3 points and diminishing their chances of advancing to the next stage.
Read also: PSSI Protests Referee Ahmed Al Kaf's Officiating in Indonesia vs. Bahrain
PSSI Responds to Bahrain's Relocation Request
Responding to BFA’s request, Arya Sinulingga, a member of the PSSI Executive Committee, asserted that the second leg must be held in Indonesia, as originally scheduled.
PSSI also assured Bahrain that their delegation would be guaranteed full security and protection during their stay in Indonesia.
Potential Consequences for Bahrain
Bahrain's request to relocate the match could backfire. According to the 2026 World Cup Qualifying regulations, any football association that fails to participate in a scheduled match after the qualifiers have begun is subject to a fine of 40,000 Swiss Francs.
These rules are binding for all associations involved in the qualifiers. Additionally, Bahrain could face further disciplinary actions as outlined in FIFA's Disciplinary Code, which imposes an additional fine of 10,000 Swiss Francs for breaches of discipline.
Moreover, under Article 5, Paragraph 3 of the 2026 World Cup Qualifying regulations, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee is empowered to impose even harsher sanctions on associations that commit serious violations. The extent of these penalties will depend on the severity of the breach.
