Sports Minister Urges Fans to Be More Respectful After FIFA Sanctions

Dito Ariotedjo, Indonesia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, has called on national team supporters to adopt more respectful behavior during matches. His statement came in response to FIFA’s recent sanctions against PSSI, stemming from xenophobic chants heard during the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Bahrain at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium.

FIFA imposed a fine of 400 million rupiah and a 15 percent spectator reduction for Indonesia’s next home match as punishment. These measures aim to curb discriminatory actions and improve matchday conduct.

PSSI Offered Option to Avoid Reduced Capacity

Despite the sanctions, PSSI may still fill the stadium to full capacity if it allocates 15 percent of the seating to promote anti-discrimination campaigns. This initiative provides a path forward for Indonesia to comply while still allowing robust fan support.

The Indonesian national team is set to play its next World Cup qualifier against China at the GBK Main Stadium, a match that will test both team performance and fan discipline.