Bahrain seeks neutral venue for World Cup qualifying match after receiving death threats from Indonesian fans

Bahrain (red jersey) drew 2-2 with Indonesia in the third round of the 2026 World Cup third qualifiers on Oct. 10, 2024. Photo by AFC

Tension came from referee Ahmed Al Kaf's decision to add extra stoppage time in the second half, which allowed Bahrain to equalize 2-2 against Indonesia during their clash in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers last week.

Following the match, Indonesian fans flooded the BFA's platforms with threats and abuse, prompting the federation to release a four-point statement on Wednesday. BFA reported that its website, social media accounts and email systems have been hit with a barrage of insults, slander, hacking attempts and death threats from Indonesian fans.

"The BFA expresses extreme surprise at the multiple death threats received by the team members on their social media accounts - a move that reflects the Indonesian public's disregard for human lives," BFA said in a statement via Instagram.

Bahrain is in contact with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to address what they describe as "unacceptable" behavior. BFA is particularly concerned about the safety of their players in the upcoming return leg at Indonesia's home ground, scheduled for March 25, 2025.

"The association will submit a request to move the match from Indonesia to preserve the safety of the national team, as this is at the top of our priorities," BFA stated.

BFA also expressed disappointment after providing support for more than 2,000 Indonesian fans entering the Bahrain National Stadium for the match, adhering to international standards, only for them to be slandered and threatened.

Indonesian fans during the national team's 0-2 loss to Iraq in the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, in June 2024. Photo by FIFA

In response, the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) announced that their president, Erick Thohir, would send a letter to the AFC to ensure that the next match in Jakarta would be fair and safe. PSSI executive member Arya Sinulingga emphasized that the Bahrain national team would be guaranteed safety and comfort, pointing to Indonesia's successful hosting of the 2023 U17 World Cup as evidence.

"Indonesia is a tourist-friendly country," Sinulingga told Bola. "Indonesians may be aggressive online, but in person, they are friendly and kind."

Prior to BFA's statement, Oman Football Association (OFA) also condemned the behaviors of Indonesian fans against their referee Al Kaf and praised him for upholding FIFA's values of professionalism, transparency, and integrity.

Indonesian football fans are known for their passion, but also for causing riots on occasion. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2019 during Indonesia's 2-3 loss to Malaysia at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in the second round of 2022 World Cup qualifiers. Indonesian fans stormed the pitch, attacking Malaysian fans and players, who were held on the field for two hours before being escorted out in armored vehicles under police protection.

More recently, in September 2023, fans of local club Persib Bandung assaulted security officers during a 2-0 victory over Persija Jakarta in Indonesia's Liga 1.

However, these incidents could not compare to the one on Oct. 1, 2022, during a match between Arema and Persebaya Surabaya at the Kanjuruhan Stadium. Following a defeat by the home team, Arema fans rioted, and police responded with tear gas, leading to a deadly stampede that killed 131 people and injured hundreds.