The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has formally sought clarification from FIFA regarding a controversial decision during the Indonesia - Bangladesh match. The decision involved an unexpected increase in injury time in the second half, which ultimately allowed Indonesia to secure a spot in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 final over Malaysia.

At Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on 1/10/2026, the fourth official initially displayed two minutes of injury time for the second half of the Indonesia - Bangladesh match. This decision immediately drew protests from the Indonesian coach and players. Following these reactions, the referee changed the announced injury time to 7 minutes.

The referee initially showed two minutes of injury time for the second half, prompting immediate reactions from the Indonesian coach and players during the Indonesia - Bangladesh match at Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta on 1/10/2026. Duc Dong

Before the additional 5 minutes of injury time, Indonesia was leading Bangladesh 7-2. At this point, they were at a disadvantage, trailing Malaysia in both goal difference and goals scored. However, thanks to the adjusted injury time, the home team scored two quick goals in the 90+6 and 90+7 minutes. These late goals secured a 9-2 victory, allowing Indonesia to finish first in Group A and qualify for the final.

In the concurrent match, Malaysia defeated Singapore 6-0 and believed they had secured a spot in the final. However, Indonesia's two late goals during the extended injury time allowed them to overtake Malaysia for the qualification spot. Missing out on the final prompted FAM to issue an official statement.

"Accurate and consistent management of playing time is a crucial factor in match officiating and ensuring the integrity of the tournament. This is especially important to ensure matches are conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with tournament regulations," a statement from FAM read.

Malaysia has requested FIFA to explain the procedure followed by the refereeing team, including the basis for the injury time adjustment. However, FAM also emphasized that this request is not intended to dispute the match result, nor to question the performance or achievements of any team. "We merely seek an official explanation regarding the match officiating process to ensure transparency, consistency, and clarity in the application of relevant regulations," the statement added.

The main referee explained the decision to the Indonesian coach and the fourth official. The scoreboard then displayed 7 minutes of injury time during the Indonesia - Bangladesh match at Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta on 1/10/2026. Duc Dong

The second half of the Indonesia - Bangladesh match saw multiple interruptions that could account for extended injury time. In the 48th minute, the referee halted play for a video assistant referee (VAR) check on a penalty after a home player fell in the box. In the 70th minute, player Elkan Baggott committed a foul mid-field and received a yellow card. However, VAR intervened, and main referee Kabirov Nasrullo reviewed the incident directly on the VAR screen for a potential red card. He spent about 3 minutes reviewing the video but did not change his decision. In the 84th minute, VAR was again consulted to review an offside goal by Indonesian forward Ole Romeny. In the 90+2 minute, players from both teams clashed in a chaotic scene.

At the post-match press conference, coach John Herdman also commented on Indonesia receiving an additional 5 minutes of injury time. "Due to multiple VAR checks, the injury time had to be longer. When I asked the fourth official if the initial injury time announcement was a mistake, he confirmed that it was," said Herdman.

Match developments of Indonesia - Bangladesh.

At the conclusion of Group A, Malaysia and Indonesia both had 7 points and a goal difference of +9. Indonesia topped the group by scoring 11 goals, two more than Malaysia. The host nation will face Thailand in the final, while Malaysia awaits the conclusion of Group B today, 2/10, to determine their opponent for the third-place match, which is likely Vietnam or Pakistan.

Both the final and the third-place match will take place on 5/10 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.