The final of the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup ended with Indonesia lifting the trophy in Jakarta, but the way the competition was organised has sparked debate. Understanding the alleged bias helps fans see how commercial interests can shape sports events.

Marhali argued that the tournament was arranged for the host nation to emerge as champions, pointing to the group stage draw that kept regional powerhouses Thailand and Vietnam out of Indonesia’s group. He noted that the other teams in that group – Malaysia, Singapore and Bangladesh – were all ranked lower than Indonesia.

FIFA did not hold a draw ceremony for the group stage. Instead, Indonesia was placed in Group A with Malaysia, Singapore and Bangladesh, all ranked lower than the host nation.

Marhali also highlighted the size and commercial appeal of the Indonesian football market as a key reason for the tournament’s structure, saying the market’s massive fan base drives spectator interest. Indonesia ultimately won the final after a controversial stoppage‑time extension and a red card issued to Thailand, securing the title via a penalty shootout.

The episode shows how a tournament’s format can be influenced by market size, potentially giving the host nation a competitive edge. Readers should remember that commercial considerations may sometimes outweigh sporting fairness.