Erick Thohir Sets One-Week Deadline for Clubs

Two violent incidents against away supporters within a week drew a firm response from PSSI chairman Erick Thohir. He gave I.League and the clubs one week to resolve the supporter-safety problem internally, or face heavy sanctions including point deductions.

On Sunday, October 11, 2026, the Persib Bandung U-18 (EPA) team bus was attacked at Rest Area KM 360, Batang, Central Java. The vehicle was badly damaged, belongings were stolen, and two personnel suffered physical violence. A day later, in the early hours of Monday, October 12, 2026, The Jakmania bus returning from Bantul was pelted at the Palikanci Toll Road, Cirebon, West Java, injuring several supporters, including women.

Thohir condemned the acts as criminality, not mere supporter misconduct. At a press conference at the Youth and Sports Ministry on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, he affirmed that PSSI will hold the league and clubs accountable for failing to keep supporters safe.

Point Deductions and Away-Supporter Ban Threatened

"We have committed to FIFA that every supporter must return home safely," he said. He stressed that although matches now allow away supporters, this only stands if clubs and the league can guarantee their safety.

If there is no progress within a week, PSSI is ready to impose heavy sanctions, including point deductions for clubs that fail to control their supporters, and could re-ban away supporters. "If clubs cannot keep their supporters in check, they must bear the consequences," he said firmly.

Thohir also recalled that the away-supporter ban had been in place for nearly four years in hopes of deterring violence. But after the ban was lifted and away supporters were allowed back this season, anarchic acts have returned. He urged all parties to strengthen coordination and honor their shared commitment for safe matches. The incidents in Batang and Palikanci are now a test of the shared commitment agreed by the league operator and clubs at the start of the season. PSSI said it does not want to blame one side, but asks all parties to strengthen security coordination.