Sumardji, the Chairman of the National Team Body (BTN), has emphatically declared his unwavering commitment to accompanying the Indonesian National Team, despite facing a severe suspension from FIFA.
The prominent football official recently received a hefty ban from FIFA following a chaotic incident at the conclusion of the match between the Indonesian National Team and Iraq. This critical fixture, part of the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, saw the Garuda squad suffer a narrow 0-1 defeat against the formidable Lions of Mesopotamia.
The intense qualification match, held at King Abdullah Stadium in Saudi Arabia, concluded with a notable commotion on the field. Post-match, Sumardji became embroiled in an altercation with Chinese referee Ma Ning. He was subsequently accused of aggressive conduct towards the official, an action that reportedly caused the referee to fall. Consequently, Sumardji was immediately shown a red card.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee (Komdis FIFA) has since handed down a severe sanction: a 20-match ban from accompanying the Indonesian National Team, coupled with a substantial fine of Rp324 million (approximately USD 20,000). Sumardji was found to have violated Article 14, Point 1 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which pertains to assaulting match officials. While acknowledging his wrongdoing, Sumardji expressed profound surprise at the unprecedented severity of the penalty, stating it was “very heavy” and far beyond his expectations.
“Honestly, I’m shocked by how significant the sanction is, spanning 20 official FIFA matches,” Sumardji remarked. “It’s quite burdensome. I don’t deny it; I admit my actions were wrong.” Sumardji further clarified his actions, asserting they were primarily an attempt to shield his players from potential red card sanctions. He perceived referee Ma Ning at the time as actively seeking opportunities to issue red cards to Indonesian players.
Sumardji likened his intervention to a parental figure safeguarding their children, claiming his actions were merely a defensive block. “I just wanted these players protected,” Sumardji elaborated. “I saw the referee seemingly looking for an opening to give a red card. So, at that moment, I blocked with my hand. That’s the risk of leading a team. I likened myself to a parent who must secure and protect their children.”
Despite the daunting FIFA suspension, Sumardji remains resolute in his determination to support the Indonesian National Team. He intends to navigate the ban by continuing to accompany the team in every possible capacity, even if it means operating from outside the stadium. “It’s not a problem for me; the important thing is that I can still provide support and contribute to the Senior National Team,” Sumardji concluded, outlining his workaround. “I may not be permitted on the bench, but I can still accompany them at the hotel and travel to the stadium, as long as I do not enter the locker room.”
The Indonesian National Team’s immediate schedule includes the FIFA Series 2026, set to take place in Jakarta from March 23 to 31. Sumardji’s commitment ensures his continued presence and influence, albeit under revised conditions, as the team prepares for upcoming challenges.
Summary
Sumardji, the Chairman of the National Team Body (BTN), has received a severe 20-match ban and a Rp324 million fine from FIFA. This sanction stems from an altercation with Chinese referee Ma Ning after the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers match between Indonesia and Iraq, where Sumardji was accused of aggressive conduct causing the referee to fall and was found to have violated Article 14, Point 1 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
While acknowledging his wrongdoing, Sumardji expressed surprise at the ban’s unprecedented severity, stating his actions were an attempt to protect players from potential red cards. Despite the suspension, he remains resolute in accompanying the Indonesian National Team by operating from outside the stadium, at the hotel, and during travel, ensuring his support continues for upcoming events like the FIFA Series 2026.