Fans shout slogans and wave Indonesian flags during the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifier soccer match between Indonesia and Bahrain at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on March 25, 2025. (AFP/Bay Ismoyo)
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recent sanction imposed by world soccer body FIFA over xenophobic chants by supporters of the Indonesian men’s national soccer team has increased the urgency for the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) to educate fans better and eradicate hooliganism amid its World Cup aspirations.
PSSI executive committee member Arya Sinulingga confirmed in a statement on Monday that FIFA issued the sanction after concluding an investigation into reports that some Indonesian fans watching the 2026 World Cup qualifier match between Indonesia and Bahrain made xenophobic chants.
The match, taking place on March 25 at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta, was won by Indonesia thanks to a sole goal from forward Ole Romeny.
According to FIFA, the racist chants were heard in Section 19 of the stadium around the 80th minute, with around 200 fans singing a song containing xenophobic phrases directed toward the Bahrain team.
Due to the sanction, the Indonesian national team’s home match against China, slated for June 5, will be played with a 15-percent reduction in the number of spectators, according to Arya.
“The PSSI has also been slapped with a fine amounting to around Rp 400 million [US$24,010],” Arya said.
Read also: Indonesia secures 1-0 victory over Bahrain
