NOC Indonesia Protes Perubahan Kebijakan Sepak Bola Asian Games 2026

Ruang Bangsa - RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian National Olympic Committee (NOC Indonesia) has lodged a formal protest against the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) after a regulatory change barred Indonesia’s national football team from competing in the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

NOC Indonesia Chairman Raja Sapta Oktohari confirmed the protest, criticizing the joint decision by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and OCA to restrict participation to 16 teams drawn solely from the AFC U-23 Asian Cup.

He argued that bypassing a qualification process is highly unusual, as football at the Asian Games has traditionally been open to all member nations.

Oktohari stressed that the policy shift disadvantages Indonesia, particularly since the new rules were not properly communicated to stakeholders in the country. “Whether this stems from Nagoya’s limitations as host is another matter, but the policy must be socialized fairly,” he said.

NOC Indonesia has already conveyed its objections directly to OCA President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, urging reconsideration. Oktohari emphasized that football’s massive popularity across Asia demands careful, inclusive decision-making.

“The host city cannot act arbitrarily. We will continue to voice this concern because football has the largest fan base, and every policy must be weighed responsibly,” he added. ***