Indonesia Fan World Cup Warning Saudi Arabia
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Saudi Arabia Imposes Restrictions on Indonesian Supporters for 2026 World cup Qualifier
What Happened?
The Saudi arabian Football Association (SAFF) has informed the Football Association of indonesia (PSSI) that there will be meaningful restrictions on the number of Indonesian supporters permitted to attend the fourth round match of the 2026 asian World cup qualifiers. This match is scheduled for October 8, 2025, at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
This restriction impacts Indonesian citizens residing in Saudi arabia, who traditionally demonstrate strong support for the national team, known as the Garuda squad.
Why Does This matter?
The limited access to tickets is particularly disappointing given the substantial Indonesian diaspora living and working in saudi Arabia. These fans are known for their passionate support of the national team, creating a vibrant atmosphere at matches.Restricting their attendance diminishes the home-away-from-home advantage the Indonesian team often experiences.
Context and Analysis
Erick Thohir, Chairman of PSSI, expressed disappointment at a press conference held on september 16, 2025, at the Bung Karno main Stadium in Central Jakarta.He acknowledged the large number of indonesian citizens in Saudi Arabia and their consistent enthusiasm for supporting the national team.
Timeline of Events
| Date | event |
|---|---|
| September 16, 2025 | Erick Thohir announces restrictions on Indonesian supporters in Saudi Arabia. |
| October 8, 2025 | Scheduled date for the match between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many Indonesian supporters will be allowed to attend?
- The exact number has not been officially announced, but PSSI has indicated it will be a “very small” number.
- Is PSSI appealing the decision?
- PSSI is currently in communication with SAFF to discuss the restrictions and explore potential solutions.
- Where can Indonesian fans in Saudi Arabia watch the match?
- Details regarding viewing parties or broadcast data have not yet been released.
Next Steps
PSSI will continue to negotiate with SAFF to secure more tickets for Indonesian supporters. Fans are advised to follow official PSSI channels for updates on ticket availability and travel information. The situation underscores the need for proactive communication and coordination between football associations to ensure a positive experience for fans attending international matches.