SEAtoday.com, Jakarta - The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has issued a statement in response to the Bahrain Football Association (BFA)'s request to have the 2026 World Cup Qualification match against Indonesia held at a neutral venue.

"The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) acknowledges the concerns raised by the Bahrain Football Association (BFA) regarding the safety and security of their national team ahead of the away match in the 2026 World Cup Qualification Asia Group C, scheduled to be held in Indonesia on March 25, 2025," the AFC stated.

The AFC is aware of BFA's concerns about playing against Indonesia at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta on March 25, 2025. Additionally, the AFC condemned the actions of Indonesian supporters who allegedly made threats against Bahrain's players.

"AFC takes these concerns seriously and is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all players, officials, and fans while condemning any form of online harassment and threats," the AFC added.

The AFC further stated that they would discuss this issue with all relevant parties, including the BFA and the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI).

"AFC will discuss this issue further with FIFA, the BFA, and the Indonesian Football Association [PSSI] to create a safe and secure environment for all stakeholders involved in the match," the AFC's statement read.

Earlier, on Wednesday (October 16), the BFA had officially requested AFC and FIFA to hold the match between Indonesia and Bahrain at a neutral venue. BFA refused to play in Indonesia after their players received threats on social media from Indonesian supporters.

These threats followed the controversial match between Bahrain and Indonesia in Riffa, which ended in a 2-2 draw on October 10. However, the PSSI has assured the safety of Bahrain's players and officials during the upcoming match in Indonesia.

"We will send a letter to the AFC stating that to ensure fairness, the match should remain in Jakarta, as the previous match was held in Bahrain. Secondly, we will also inform them that we will guarantee the safety and comfort of our guests, just as was done in Bahrain," said PSSI Executive Committee member Arya Sinulingga in an official statement.

Writer: Fariz Ahmad Luthfi