"Hence, if there is a statement that Bahrain is not safe in Indonesia, we ensure that there is no potential security threat that could endanger the Bahrain team," Ariotedjo emphasized at the Presidential Palace here on Monday.
He stressed that the Bahrain team should not have refused to play in Indonesia.
"FIFA has said that the match will still be held in Indonesia. It has to be in Indonesia. If (they) do not (come), it means (the Indonesian team) won by WO (walkover)," he remarked.
The Bahrain Football Association earlier proposed moving the venue for the 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Indonesia, scheduled for March 2025 in Indonesia, to another country.
The request was based on the concern about the safety of the Bahrain team while competing in Indonesia after it earlier received criticism as the 2-2 draw against Indonesia was considered controversial.
The World Cup qualifier match between Indonesia and Bahrain on October 10, 2024, sparked much controversy.
Indonesia was leading 2-1 until the final moments of stoppage time, when Omani referee Ahmed Al-Kaf extended the match beyond the initially indicated six minutes of extra time.
Al-Kaf's decision ignited widespread anger among Indonesian fans as Bahrain scored an equalizer in the additional time.
Many fans accused the referee of deliberately prolonging the match to benefit Bahrain and questioned his impartiality.
The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) sent a letter of complaint to FIFA, protesting what it described as an error by referee Al Kaf.
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Translator: Rangga Pandu Asmara Jingga, Katriana
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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