Bahrain once again drew attention in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, this time during their match against China at the Bahrain National Stadium in Riffa. The team was accused of attempting to sway the referee’s decisions, echoing the controversy from their previous encounter with Indonesia. In their October 10, 2024, match against Indonesia, Bahrain managed to secure a 2-2 draw, though the match extended beyond the allotted stoppage time.
In that game, Indonesia had nearly secured victory with a 2-1 lead until the final minutes, but Bahrain’s equalizing goal came in the 99th minute, three minutes past the time added by the fourth official. This unexpected extension led to protests from the Indonesian side, feeling disadvantaged by the extra minutes.
Now, facing China, Bahrain returned to their home field aiming to secure a full three points. The match was tightly contested and balanced as both teams matched each other’s strengths. However, several incidents stood out, particularly in the 58th minute, when Bahrain’s players seemed to attempt to provoke fouls from the referee to gain favorable free kicks. These efforts appeared throughout the game, showcasing Bahrain’s tendency to employ on-field tactics to influence officiating decisions.
Bahrain’s repeated approach to attract referee attention sparked reactions from spectators and opposing supporters. This strategy, which some view as an attempt to manipulate the game, raises questions about sportsmanship in a tournament where fair play is paramount.
Though the match ultimately concluded without decisive goals, it underscored a recurring pattern in Bahrain’s gameplay that some consider to be attempts to sway referee calls. This serves as an important reminder for future opponents facing Bahrain in the qualifiers, as well as for match officials to stay vigilant against tactics that could alter the game’s outcome.
