Indonesia files a complaint to the AFC after losing to Saudi Arabia

The Indonesian Football Association submitted a grievance to the AFC regarding the troubles encountered by their supporters in Saudi Arabia.

Indonesia recently lost 2-3 to Saudi Arabia in the opening match of Group B in the 2026 World Cup qualifying fourth round. This defeat significantly reduces coach Patrick Kluivert’s team’s chances of advancing, with their final match against Iraq still to come. Several issues also arose surrounding this game.

According to Kompas, the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has firmly protested to the AFC following their 2-3 loss to Saudi Arabia. However, PSSI’s complaint is not about the sporting aspect but concerns the difficulties Indonesian fans faced entering King Abdullah Stadium to support their team.

Reports state that around 4,000 Indonesian supporters arrived well before the match started. However, many were stuck outside King Abdullah Stadium as the game was about to begin. Numerous fans only managed to enter the stadium well into the match. Similarly, Jay Idzes’ mother was nearly subjected to physical interference by police, and Dean James’ girlfriend had to climb over barriers because she was denied entry.

Mr. Sumardji, as Chairman of Indonesia’s National Team Management Agency, expressed his displeasure and immediately raised objections to the AFC about the security and comfort issues faced by Indonesian national team fans. This protest was made while Sumardji attended the Match Coordination Meeting (MCM) with AFC and Iraq representatives ahead of Indonesia’s match against Iraq the next day.

“Yes, during the MCM, I raised objections to the AFC. There were many reports from Indonesian fans about being unable to enter the stadium,” Sumardji said when contacted by BolaSport on Friday (10/10/2025). He added that the AFC believed Indonesian fans had entered through the wrong gate.

Previously, Indonesia had filed complaints with the AFC and FIFA requesting the referee for the match against Saudi Arabia be from Kuwait, fearing bias towards West Asia. Indonesia also protested that Group B’s fourth round matches were held in Saudi Arabia, forcing them to play two consecutive matches without rest.