AFC Rejects Persib Bandung's Appeal, IDR 3.5 Billion Fine Remains in Effect

Persib Bandung has had all of the club's appeal attempts regarding supporter unrest sanctions rejected by the AFC Appeals Committee.

This ruling was finalised on 13 August 2026 and has only just been made public. In its decision, the AFC Appeals Committee confirmed there will be no amendments to the penalties originally issued against Persib by the AFC Disciplinary Committee.

"The appeal submitted by Persib Bandung (IDN) against decision VVC 20260513DC13 is rejected in full," stated the official AFC Appeals Committee ruling.

As a result of this decision, Persib remains obligated to pay a fine of USD 200,000. This payment must be completed within 30 days from the date the ruling was issued.

"Persib Bandung is required to settle the total USD 200,000 fine within 30 days of this decision being communicated, in accordance with Article 11.3 of the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Code."

Origins: Unrest At GBLA Stadium

These sanctions relate to crowd disturbances that broke out following Persib's second leg match against Ratchaburi in the AFC Champions League (ACL) 2 Round of 16 2025/26, held at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium (GBLA) on 18 February.

Persib won this home fixture 1-0. However this result was not enough to see the Maung Bandung side progress to the next stage of the competition.

Persib were eliminated on an aggregate score of 1-3, having suffered a 0-3 defeat in the first leg hosted at Ratchaburi's home ground.

Frustration over this exit boiled over into supporter unrest, with sections of the fanbase blaming perceived unfair refereeing decisions for the match outcome.

Following the incident, the AFC Disciplinary Committee found Persib guilty of violating Articles 64 and 65 of the Disciplinary Code, as well as Article 35 covering AFC match regulations and safety protocols.

Alongside the USD 200,000 fine (equivalent to approximately IDR 3.5 billion), Persib was also handed a two-match closed-doors home ban.

Persib To Face Manila Digger Behind Closed Doors

This penalty will immediately impact Persib's upcoming Asian competition campaign next season. The club is scheduled to host Manila Digger in the 2026/27 ACL 2 playoff round on 31 August.

This home fixture will be required to take place with no spectators in attendance.

Meanwhile, the second closed-doors match penalty will not be enforced immediately. This sanction has been suspended with a two year probation period attached.

"Pursuant to Articles 34.1 and 34.3 of the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Code, the second closed-doors home sanction referenced in paragraph 6 shall be suspended for a probationary period of two years. Should a similar offence occur during this probation window, the suspension shall be lifted. Additional penalties will then be determined for the new violation."

With the club's appeal having been rejected, the original sanctions issued against Persib by the AFC will stand unchanged. Persib must also ensure the fine is paid by the stated official deadline.