Persib vs PSM Makassar Threatened: Si Jalak Harupat Closed for FIFA ASEAN Cup Prep

Persib Bandung cannot use Stadion Si Jalak Harupat in Soreang, Kabupaten Bandung, for their upcoming Super League 2026/2027 home fixture against PSM Makassar, according to local sports authorities. The fixture, scheduled for Sunday, September 6, 2026, at 19.00 WIB (12:00 UTC), faces relocation after tournament organizers mandated a total closure of the stadium for upcoming international tournament preparations.

Mandatory Closure for FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026

Stadion Si Jalak Harupat will undergo intensive pitch maintenance and turf repairs under the direct instruction of FIFA and PSSI, as reported by the Head of the Youth and Sports Office (Kadispora) of Bandung Regency, Dicky Anugrah. The closure applies to all non-FIFA matches, meaning the club cannot host the Super League encounter at the venue.

“Persib is not permitted on September 6 to play at Si Jalak Harupat because it is already in the maintenance period ahead of the FIFA Asian Cup,” Dicky stated, as noted in local reports. Maintenance teams began turf restoration immediately after Persib completed their AFC Champions League Two playoff fixture against Manila Digger on Monday, August 31, 2026. Authorities confirmed that international tournament delegates are scheduled to arrive on September 19, 2026, to conduct initial pitch trials ahead of the tournament kickoff at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on September 25, 2026.

Search for an Alternative Home Venue

Faced with a tight turnaround before the September 6 fixture, the management of PT Persib Bandung Bermartabat is working to shift the match to Stadion Gelora Bandung Lautan Api (GBLA). The club’s primary home ground has recently undergone pitch renovations of its own, though portions of the turf remain a point of discussion among supporters and club officials.

Persib Dilarang Main — Stadion Si Jalak Harupat di Bandung yang ditutup untuk persiapan FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026
Photo: redaksiku.com

Persib previously utilized Stadion GBLA for domestic duties while preparing alternatives for their continental campaign. Kuswara S. Taryono, a commissioner at PT Persib Bandung Bermartabat, confirmed that the committee is pushing forward with preparations to ensure the venue meets official match standards in time for the weekend kickoff. Ticket sales for the opening clash against PSM Makassar have already commenced through the club’s digital application channels while logistical teams finalize stadium readiness.

Addressing Supporter Concerns

Local administration officials pushed back against online speculation regarding the stadium ban. Dicky Anugrah clarified that the decision originated strictly from international governing body guidelines rather than local municipal opposition, addressing rumors circulated among fan groups such as Viking and Bobotoh.

Persib vs PSM Makassar Threatened: Si Jalak Harupat Closed for FIFA ASEAN Cup Prep
Photo: sukabumiupdate.com

“So it is not the regional government,” Dicky emphasized. “Issues were fried by Viking, by Bobotoh, so it is not Persib’s rejection being pressured by the Regency Government. But that has been determined through FIFA and PSSI.”

What Comes Next

Persib Bandung and match organizers face a race against time to complete pitch preparations at Stadion GBLA ahead of the September 6, 2026 fixture against PSM Makassar. Club officials will release updated ticketing and entry protocols via official channels as ground inspectors sign off on the playing surface.

Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief

Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.

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