AFC Adjusts Indonesia vs Iraq Kick-Off Time After PSSI Protest Over Tight Schedule
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has agreed to adjust the kick-off time for Indonesia’s World Cup qualifying match against Iraq following a formal protest from the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI). The change comes in response to concerns about the tight recovery window between Indonesia’s two group stage matches in the fourth round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Initially, Indonesia was scheduled to face Iraq on October 11 at 6:00 PM local time, just three days after playing Saudi Arabia.
Indonesia’s opening match is set for October 8 at 8:15 PM against hosts Saudi Arabia at the same venue, King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah. The close gap between fixtures prompted PSSI to take swift action, arguing that such a schedule would not allow enough recovery time for players, especially considering Indonesia’s long travel distance and time zone differences. The concern was raised as a matter of fair play and athlete welfare.
After internal discussions involving the national team committee and coaching staff, PSSI sent a formal letter to AFC, requesting a more reasonable kick-off time for the Iraq match. They also coordinated with MNC Group, the media rights holder, to ensure the broadcasting side could accommodate the changes. The request emphasized the importance of fair scheduling, especially for teams traveling from outside the Middle East.
In response, AFC accepted the proposal and pushed the match back to 10:30 PM local time, providing Indonesia’s players with additional hours of recovery. As a result, the fixture, initially set for Saturday evening, will now take place in the early hours of Sunday, October 12 (Indonesian time). The change reflects successful coordination and lobbying efforts by PSSI to secure a fairer schedule for the national team.
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