Bahrain’s national football team has announced its decision to withdraw from an upcoming World Cup qualifying match scheduled to be held in Indonesia due to serious safety concerns following a controversial encounter between the two teams last week.

The Bahrain Football Association (BFA) cited the need to “protect the safety” of its players, who have been subjected to online death threats from Indonesian fans.

Context of the Controversy

The decision comes in the wake of a tense match held in Bahrain last Thursday, which ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw.

The controversy began when Bahrain scored a last-minute equalizer during stoppage time, three minutes beyond the expected end of the match.

The goal triggered uproar among Indonesian players and staff, leading to heated protests and allegations that the referee had manipulated the match to favor Bahrain.

The match’s officiating by Oman’s Ahmed Al Kaf came under scrutiny after he signaled for six minutes of added time but allowed play to continue for nine minutes before Bahrain found the back of the net.

This decision has been described by Indonesian officials as dubious, with PSSI executive member Arya Sinulingga expressing his disappointment.

“It seemed like they extended the added time just to allow Bahrain to score an equalizer,” he stated, indicating the sentiment among Indonesian fans and officials that the referee’s decision was intentionally biased.

In response to the incident, the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) filed an official complaint to both FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), seeking accountability and questioning the integrity of the officiating.

Social Media Backlash and Threats

In the days following the match, the backlash from Indonesian fans escalated into a torrent of online abuse directed at Bahraini players and officials.

Reports of impersonation accounts targeting the match referee, Ahmed Al Kaf, flooded social media, and many Indonesian supporters alleged that the Omani referee had acted in favor of Bahrain.

Amid this chaos, the BFA was forced to disable comments on its social media pages due to the incessant wave of hostile messages. The association also reported numerous attempts to hack its official website.

The BFA condemned the threats against its players, expressing shock at the severity of the abuse. In a public statement, they emphasized that such actions “reflect the Indonesian public’s disregard for human lives.”

The statement further asserted that the threats do not align with the principles and values of Islamic norms and fail to represent the progress and advancement of the country.

The atmosphere surrounding the match highlights a troubling trend in Indonesian football, where crowd violence and hostility towards opposing teams have frequently marred the sport.

The nation has faced significant challenges in managing fan violence, with incidents leading to severe consequences, including the tragic stadium disaster in Malang in 2022, where 125 individuals lost their lives due to a crowd crush.

Bahrain’s Request to FIFA

In light of these events, the BFA formally requested FIFA to relocate the return fixture, set to take place in Jakarta in March 2025, to a neutral venue outside Indonesia.

The request underscores Bahrain’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its team and to prevent any further escalation of tensions.

The association’s decision not to play in Indonesia reflects broader concerns about the security environment for athletes participating in international competitions.

As of now, neither the Indonesian Football Association nor FIFA has publicly addressed Bahrain’s request or commented on the situation.

The silence from these organizations has left many to speculate about the potential implications for future fixtures and the responsibilities of governing bodies in addressing safety concerns in the sport.

Future Matches and Team Impacts

Bahrain, currently ranked 76th in the world, is slated to face China in their next World Cup qualifying match next month.

Meanwhile, Indonesia, ranked 129th, will meet Japan in November. The developments surrounding the upcoming matches could have far-reaching implications for both teams, influencing their preparation and morale leading into crucial qualifying fixtures.

The decision by Bahrain not to travel to Indonesia not only highlights the immediate safety concerns stemming from the match but also raises important questions about the larger issues of sportsmanship, respect, and the integrity of football as an international sport.

As both teams navigate this challenging landscape, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for stronger measures to ensure the safety of players and maintain the integrity of the game.

Conclusion

The fallout from the Bahrain-Indonesia match illustrates the complexities of international football, where emotions can run high and safety can be compromised.

As Bahrain withdraws from the upcoming fixture, the hope remains that FIFA and other governing bodies will take the necessary steps to address these challenges, ensuring that football can be played in a safe and respectful environment for all involved.

The incident may also prompt a re-evaluation of how matches are officiated and how fan behavior is managed, particularly in countries where crowd violence has been a persistent issue.

In conclusion, the BFA’s decision not to play in Indonesia reflects a growing need for football authorities to prioritize player safety and uphold the core values of the sport.

As both nations prepare for their respective upcoming matches, the hope is that the focus will shift back to the game itself, allowing players to compete in an environment that fosters respect, sportsmanship, and the true spirit of competition.