Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo emphasized on Friday (18/10/2024) there’s no reason to move the upcoming World Cup qualifier between Indonesia and Bahrain to another country due to security concerns.

“There’s no security issue in Indonesia that would justify holding the match outside the country,” he said in response to reports that Bahrain’s national team had requested to play their away game against Indonesia in a neutral location due to concerns over safety.

Indonesia played Bahrain in Riffa on 10 October 2024, with the game ending in a 2-2 draw. Indonesia is scheduled to host Bahrain in the return leg on 25 March 2025.

Minister Dito stressed that Indonesia is fully prepared to host the match. 

“Bahrain is just making excuses,” he said, as quoted by antaranews.com.

Minister Dito added that PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir had confirmed that Indonesia’s security is more than adequate, having successfully hosted events like the U-17 World Cup.

“If Bahrain refuses to play here without a valid reason, we should win by default,” he said.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)