Indonesia Stadium Tragedy Reveals Country’s Tragic Football History
Soccer supporters have previously and recently accused security personnel of using excessive force, with witnesses describing cops hitting spectators with rods and shields before firing tear gas directly into crowds. When police were suspected of murdering Muhammad Fahreza, 16, during a match between Persija and Persela Lamongan in 2016, there were large-scale protests calling for a stop to police abuse.
Indonesia Stadium Tragedy Reveals Country’s Tragic Football History
In reference to the deployment of tear gas on Malang supporters who invaded the field following their team’s defeat, soccer pundit Akmal Marhali told Indonesian media on Sunday, “The police who were in charge of security violated FIFA stadium safety and security laws.” That caused the full stadium to scramble for the exits.
FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, forbids stadium security and law enforcement from using tear gas The PSSI soccer association, which oversees domestic soccer, has historically had difficulty doing so.
Nurdin Halid was detained in 2007 on suspicion of corruption but was permitted to serve as the group’s president until 2011. A alternative league, federation, and squad were formed after Halid was barred from standing for office again.
However, the dysfunctional administration persisted until FIFA punished Indonesia in 2015, a penalty that was later overturned.
It was viewed as a vote of confidence when FIFA awarded Indonesia hosting rights for the Under-20 World Cup in 2019.
A FIFA commission evaluated the nation’s soccer facilities and preparations for the competition from May 20 to June 11 and declared itself satisfied in June.
The weekend tragedy is likely to hurt Indonesia’s quest to host the 2023 Asian Cup; FIFA has not yet commented on any potential effects on the Under-20 World Cup. After China gave up the right to host the continental tournament in May, it is competing with South Korea and Qatar for the honour.
The tournament has already been jointly organised by Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam in 2007. The final was held in Jakarta, where Iraq defeated Saudi Arabia to win.
The last time Indonesia hosted a significant international soccer competition was at that period. On October 17, the Asian Football Confederation is anticipated to make a decision about the competition.
Before then, it is doubtful that any soccer will be played while Indonesians and soccer fans across the world adjust to one of the bloodiest tragedies to ever occur at a sporting event.
As the victims’ remains were delivered to their homes on Monday, several of their families and friends wept in sorrow. There were 17 kids among the fatalities.
