Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has been sanctioned by FIFA due to discriminatory chants from Indonesian fans during the World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers match against Bahrain on 25 March 2025 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta.

“FIFA decided PSSI must take responsibility for the discriminatory behavior by fans during the Indonesia vs. Bahrain match,” said PSSI Executive Committee member Arya Sinulingga on Sunday (11/5/2025). “They sent us a report based on their anti-discrimination monitoring system.”

According to FIFA’s report, chants interpreted as xenophobic were heard in section 19 of the north and south stands, involving around 200 home fans shouting slogans in the 80th minute.

As a result, PSSI was fined Rp 400 million and ordered to close 15% of spectator seats in those areas for Indonesia’s next home match against China on 5 June 2025.

FIFA offers an alternative: these seats may be filled by anti-discrimination communities, such as families, students, or women, provided the area displays anti-discrimination banners.

PSSI is now required to submit a comprehensive plan to tackle discrimination in football. 

(mg/inp/pr/nm)