The semifinal and final matches of the 2026 President’s Cup (Piala Presiden 2026) will proceed without spectators in attendance, following official announcements confirming that ticket sales for the tournament’s closing stages have been canceled. The decision affects high-profile fixtures on the schedule, including an Indonesian El Clasico and a East Java Derby, reshaping how supporters will experience the concluding rounds of the preseason competition.
Official Decision Cancels Ticket Sales for Semifinals and Final
Organizers confirmed that the knockout stages of the Piala Presiden 2026 will be held behind closed doors. According to reports from CNN Indonesia, the tournament committee decided against public ticket sales for the semifinals and the final match. The restriction eliminates general spectator access at the designated venues, shifting the matches into empty stadiums.
Despite the restriction, organizing bodies and club officials have explored alternative measures.
High-Stakes Fixtures Impacted by the Ruling
The ruling directly impacts two of Indonesian football’s most fiercely contested rivalries on the tournament schedule. Kompas.com reported that the semifinal bracket features an Indonesian El Clasico matchup alongside an East Java Derby, guaranteeing intense competition despite the absence of crowds in the stands.
Persebaya Surabaya Chief Executive Officer Azrul Ananda voiced support for holding the semifinal and final rounds at neutral locations, as noted by Memorandum.co.id.
