PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir condemned racism following an incident in the Elite Pro Academy U-20 involving Bhayangkara FC's Fadly Alberto. The player claimed to be a victim of racial slurs before kicking Dewa United's Rakha Nurkholis. Erick stressed the need for early character building in young players.
The incident occurred during an Elite Pro Academy (EPA) U-20 match between Bhayangkara FC and Dewa United. Fadly Alberto claimed he received racial slurs from the opponents' bench, prompting his "kungfu" kick on Rakha Nurkholis.
Speaking in Jakarta on April 22, 2026, Erick Thohir said, "FIFA and PSSI do not tolerate any form of racist remarks in football. From a young age, players must be shaped with principles of fair play, anti-racism, tolerance, discipline, and respect for the referee."
He emphasized that youth competitions should develop emotionally mature players with strong character. Erick urged league operators, clubs, and officials to strengthen character building alongside technical skills.
Fadly publicly apologized for his actions. Both clubs, Bhayangkara FC and Dewa United, met to de-escalate the conflict and chose a peaceful resolution. "I appreciate that both clubs prioritized unity and togetherness. This must be a lesson for all players," Erick stated.
