FIFA Blocks Away Supporters in BRI Super League Due to Persib's Fan Misconduct

"In the final Liga 1 match, flares were lit. What made it worse was that the match was being watched by FIFA delegates during the closing event in Bandung. Even the pitch was damaged and so on," Ferry stated during a press conference at Hotel Fairmont, Jakarta, on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

Persib supporters set off flares and firecrackers, causing the match against Persis Solo to be stopped twice. Although coach Bojan Hodak and several players asked fans to stop the unruly behavior, the crowd ignored their pleas. Thick smoke filled the stadium, prompting referee Rio Permana Putra to halt the match with four minutes still remaining.

Due to the smoke, visibility on the field worsened, forcing a delay in the championship ceremony. The celebration was further marred when supporters invaded the pitch, causing damage to the stadium's facilities.

"They didn’t just light flares. They stormed the field, disrupted those of us in the stands, and caused a lot of trouble. If it had only been flares, it would have been manageable," Ferry said.

According to Ferry, FIFA had actually approved the return of away team supporters for the 2025–2026 season before the final match. He noted that the organization was pleased with FIFA’s positive response. However, due to the incident in the closing match, those plans were scrapped.

"Before the league closed last year, there was already a green light. We were very happy at the time. We had also communicated with the police, and they were essentially waiting for FIFA’s decision. All responses were positive," he added.

The disruption during the Liga 1 finale also led to Persib Bandung being removed from consideration for the opening match of the BRI Super League. Instead, the competition will kick off with a game between Persebaya Surabaya and PSIM Yogyakarta at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 07:00 PM WIB.

Last season, Persebaya finished fourth in Liga 1, while PSIM was the champion of Liga 2. "The league has decided not to feature Persib Bandung in the opening match," Ferry said.

Even so, the presence of away supporters has not been entirely ruled out for the season. "It is still not allowed at this time, just like before. But we are continuing to seek approval. It might be possible in the next three to four months, hopefully by the second round," Ferry explained.

Antara and Ihsan Reliubun contributed to this article.