I.League Competition Director Asep Saputra highlighted ongoing discipline issues in the Elite Pro Academy 2025/2026 season. He stressed the need to uphold sportsmanship in youth competitions following a kungfu kick incident in April.
Asep Saputra made the remarks after the EPA Super League U20 final at Garudayaksa Football Academy in Bekasi on Sunday, 17 May 2026.
He described discipline as a major task for clubs, the league operator, match officials and spectators alike. Asep said I.League would strengthen its fair play campaign and enforce penalties in line with the existing disciplinary code.
One case under scrutiny occurred on 19 April at Citarum Stadium in Semarang during an EPA U20 match between Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung and Dewa United Banten. Bhayangkara player Fadly Alberto Hengga delivered a kungfu-style kick to Dewa United’s Rakha Nurkholis.
The incident sparked tension before the players shook hands to settle the matter. The PSSI Disciplinary Committee later imposed a three-year playing ban on Alberto Hengga.
