AFC imposes severe penalties on Indonesia, with Vietnam’s national team also under scrutiny

The AFC enforces strict penalties targeting Indonesia due to security violations at the 2026 Asian Futsal Championship, with the Vietnam futsal team likewise coming under investigation.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has just handed down a notably harsh punishment to the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) following several serious breaches related to security and order at the 2026 Asian Futsal Championship. Notably, the Vietnamese futsal team was not exempt from being scrutinized by the AFC.

According to a statement from the AFC Disciplinary Committee, PSSI was fined a total of $14,000 USD (approximately 350 million VND). Arya Sinulingga, a member of PSSI’s Executive Board, confirmed that the Indonesian federation fully accepted the penalties without appeal: “Indeed, PSSI has been fined by the AFC. We did not appeal and have accepted this decision,” Arya stated at the GBK Arena on February 9th.

According to PSSI’s explanation, the penalties stem from four separate violations. Specifically, PSSI was fined $3,000 USD for allowing unauthorized individuals onto the field and technical area after the Indonesia vs. South Korea match on January 27th. A similar violation involving spectators invading the pitch after this match resulted in an additional $3,000 USD fine.

More seriously, the AFC imposed a $5,000 USD fine because PSSI failed to maintain safety and order when spectators appeared on the playing surface. Furthermore, another $3,000 USD fine was levied following the Iran vs. Afghanistan match on February 1st, when five spectators unlawfully entered the playing field.

Not only Indonesia, but the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) was also sanctioned by the AFC during this tournament. According to CNN Indonesia, the VFF was fined $2,000 USD (around 50 million VND) for damaging the locker room at the Jakarta velodrome after the Vietnam vs. Kuwait futsal match on January 27th.

Additionally, player Duong Ngoc Linh was fined $1,000 USD and suspended for one match due to an indirect red card (two yellow cards) received during the game against Lebanon on January 29th. These consecutive penalties demonstrate the AFC’s tightening of discipline, especially regarding security issues and player conduct at continental futsal competitions.