Bali United F.C. (Redirected from Bali United)

Bali United
Full nameBali United Football Club
Nickname(s)Serdadu Tridatu (Tridatu Warriors)
Short nameBUFC, BU
Founded15 February 2015; 8 years ago (2015-02-15)
GroundKapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium
Capacity18,000
Owner
PT Bali Bintang Sejahtera Tbk(66.7%)
Other shareholders
(IDXBOLA)
(33.3%)
ChairmanPieter Tanuri
Head coachStefano Cugurra
LeagueLiga 1
2022–23Liga 1, 5th of 18
WebsiteClub website
Current season

Bali United Football Club is a professional football club based in Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia. The club competes in the Liga 1, the top tier of Indonesian football. Bali United emerged in 2015 as the result of the total rebranding of Indonesia Super League club Putra Samarinda (popularly known as Pusam) after its new owner relocated the club to Gianyar from Samarinda, East Kalimantan. The rebranded club retained Putra Samarinda's top-tier rights to compete in the 2015 Indonesia Super League season. It only took four years for the club to win its first top-level football championship title in the 2019.

Bali United was the first professional football club in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, also second in Asia after Guangzhou Evergrande, to be publicly traded after its shares were offered through the Indonesia Stock Exchange on 17 June 2019. PT Bali Bintang Sejahtera Tbk released as much as 2 billion shares of the total issued and paid up capital after the initial public offering (IPO). Shares were set to go on sale for between IDR 120 and IDR 180 each, and actually became IDR 175 by the launch of the IPO on 10 June.

History

Foundation

After the 2014 Indonesia Super League season ended, Putra Samarinda owner Harbiansyah Hanafiah decided to sell the club to businessman Pieter Tanuri who relocated the Borneo club to Gianyar, upon noticing the affluent island of Bali had no representative in the top-flight of Indonesian football after the 2013 dissolution of Indonesia Premier League (IPL) club Bali Devata FC after the controversial IPL league stopped. Tanuri, who co-owns tiremaker Multistrada Arah Sarana, chose Gianyar because Bali Devata used a mid-size stadium there called the Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium and the regency is strategically located at the center of the island, rather than the coasts where most foreign tourists flock. The new owner wanted the club to attract the local Balinese fans from all corners of the island and rise as the pride of Bali. To achieve that, Tanuri also totally rebranded the club to an outfit that carries the Balinese identity, starting by renaming it Bali United Pusam Football Club with colors and a crest that pay homage to the unique culture in Bali.

Eventually, the Pusam historical tag was dropped when Bali United began to be considered as an elite club in Indonesia with the most professional management under the direction of Pieter Tanuri's brother Yabes Tanuri.

Bumpy start (2015-16)

Bali United started its foray into top-flight Indonesian football in the 2015 season of the Indonesian Super League. However, the season was discontinued only after the rebranded club played two games amid the conflict between the Indonesian government and the country's football association PSSI that also led to a FIFA suspension on all association football activities in Indonesia from May 2015 to May 2016. Bali United in late 2016 finished their first full season in an unauthorized league that tried to fill the gap left by the dissolved Indonesia Super League, the 2016 Indonesia Soccer Championship A. They finished 12th out of 18 teams, a respectable result for a new club.

Liga 1 years

In the first Liga 1 season in 2017, Bali United struggled in their first two matches, leading to the sacking of head coach Hans-Peter Schaller. His successor, Indonesia national football team legend Widodo Cahyono Putro, managed to make Bali United compete for the title and become the most productive team in the league. However, the controversial decision from organizers to use the head-to-head results in crowning the Indonesian Police club Bhayangkara despite it having the same exact points with Bali United dashed the hopes of a fairy-tale ending.

Being runner-up of the 2017 season, Bali United in 2018 competed in an AFC competition for the first time in their history. The club made their debut in the AFC Champions League on 16 January 2018 with a 3–1 win over Tampines Rovers in the preliminary stage round 1, but failed to reach the group stage after losing 1–2 to Chiangrai United in the preliminary stage round 2. They also debuted in the AFC Cup where they were eliminated in the group stage after only finishing fourth. Their bad streak continued in the league. A controversy occurred when coach Widodo resigned the day before a key match against Persija, triggering supporters to light flares throughout the match as a symbol of protest against the management. They finished the 2018 season in the 11th spot.

In another twist, Widodo was replaced by the triumphant Persija coach in that controversial match, Brazilian Stefano Cugurra, who led Persija to win the 2018 title. In his first season at Bali United, Cugurra took the club to its first Liga 1 title, cementing the club's elite status in Indonesian football. After a decent start in defending its title in the 2020 season, Bali United faced another mid-competition stop after the league was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

Colours and badge

Since its 2015 launch, Bali United have always played in red when at home and white for most away matches, with a black third kit. The colours are based on the Balinese Hinduism sacred tri-color, Tridatu, which then led to its nickname Serdadu Tridatu (Tridatu Warriors).

The club's crest shows the word Bali United on top, with the abbreviation of the club's name (BU) and the black-and-white background that is identical to the checkered poleng cloth, which in Bali symbolizes Rwa Bhineda or the two opposites that balance the universe. The strong usage of such symbolisms partly explains why Bali United has die-hard fans in the predominantly Hindu island of Bali despite its young age.

Kit manufacturers and sponsors

Since the club's foundation, Bali United's kit was self-manufactured. The reason was that by collaborating with an apparel company, the price of the team jersey would soar out of reach from the Balinese masses that support the club. From a business standpoint, it was feared that it could disrupt merchandise sales as no other club in Indonesia had better success in selling authentic jerseys than professional managed Bali United. But after five years, in 2021, their kit will be provided by Mills. Their kit is always filled with multiple sponsors, which make their kit dubbed as a racing jersey. Multistrada Arah Sarana products (Corsa and Achilles tires), Indofood, and YCAB Foundation are the sponsors that always appear on the jersey to this day. Indofood product Indomie was once the sole jersey sponsor of Bali United in the AFC competition in 2018.

Period Kit manufacturer
2015–2020 Made by club
2021–2022 Indonesia Mills
2022– Indonesia SPECS

Stadiums

Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium

Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Gianyar, is on a 20-year lease from government of Gianyar Regency. It has been Bali United's home base since the club was formed. Before moving to the stadium, Bali United spent in excess of IDR 5 billion to renovate it to meet the standard of Indonesia Super League. They added a new lighting system, upgraded the dressing rooms, repainted some parts of the stadium, repaired the toilets and upgraded other facilities. The inaugural match for Bali United at their new stadium was a 0–1 defeat over Persib in a friendly match on 3 March 2015. Bali United has continued to upgrade the facility, including adding a store, cafe, and playland around the stadium. They also did some renovations for the Asian competition in 2018 to meet the standard of the AFC.

Supporters and media

A typical Bali United supporter is called Semeton Dewata; Semeton meaning brother and Dewata meaning Bali's nickname, Island of Gods. Lady Dewata is the name for their female supporters. Semeton Dewata ultras usually fill the east stand of Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium. There are other, more exclusive supporter groups. Northsideboys 12 fill the north stand while Basudewa Curva Sud fill the south stand.

Bali United has three mascots representing the north, east, and south tribunes of Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium. Jalbo, stands for Jalak Boys and resembles a Jalak Bali bird (Bali myna), is the mascot of the Northsideboys 12. The east tribune is represented by Cebol (Celuluk Bola) that takes shape of a Celuluk, a mythological creature in Bali folklore. Cebol is a mascot of Semeton Dewata. Basudewa Curva Sud in 2019 introduced a mascot to represent the south tribune called Wabol, which stands for Waraha Bola. Wabol takes shape of Varaha, a Dashavatara of the Hindu god Vishnu.

Bali United supporters watching a home game

The song "Rasa Bangga", or "Pride" in English, composed and recorded by Bali band The Resistance, is the club's anthem and has been sung by all the fans, players, and staff of Bali United after any home or away game since the 2017 season.

Bali United has an online-streaming-based TV channel that airs in YouTube called Bali Utd TV, which started broadcasting on 19 October 2016. It features news updates, player and staff interviews, match highlights (of the first team and the youth squad), and other themed programs.

On 20 May 2017, Bali United officially launched the team's mobile app to connect with the fans. Bali United CEO Yabes Tanuri said the launch of the application is based on the awareness of the importance of technology for marketing development and interaction of a club with its supporters. By using the mobile apps, the supporters can easily access all sorts of team information.

Bali United also owns their own radio station, Bali United FM. With a tagline your sportainment station, they broadcast Bali United games and also latest information about Bali United that airs on 106,9 FM in Bali. Bali United FM is operating in the third floor of Bali United's office.

Players

Current squad

As of 11 November 2023

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK Brazil BRA Adilson Maringá
2 DF Indonesia IDN Ardi Idrus
4 DF Thailand THA Elias Dolah
5 DF Indonesia IDN Haudi Abdillah
7 MF Indonesia IDN Sidik Saimima
9 FW Indonesia IDN Ilija Spasojević (vice-captain)
10 MF Brazil BRA Éber Bessa
11 MF Indonesia IDN Yabes Roni
13 GK Indonesia IDN Rakasurya Handika
14 MF Indonesia IDN Fadil Sausu (captain)
17 FW Indonesia IDN Taufik Hidayat
18 MF Indonesia IDN I Kadek Agung Widnyana
22 MF Indonesia IDN Novri Setiawan
23 DF Indonesia IDN Ryuji Utomo
24 DF Indonesia IDN Ricky Fajrin (3rd captain)
33 DF Indonesia IDN I Made Andhika Wijaya
No. Pos. Nation Player
37 MF Cambodia CAM Privat Mbarga
41 MF Indonesia IDN Irfan Jaya
44 DF Indonesia IDN Kadek Arel Priyatna
47 MF Indonesia IDN Rahmat Arjuna
55 MF Indonesia IDN I Made Tito Wiratama
66 DF Indonesia IDN I Gede Agus Mahendra
71 MF Indonesia IDN Luthfi Kamal
72 MF Indonesia IDN I Nyoman Adi Wirya Tama
73 DF Indonesia IDN Jajang Mulyana
74 MF State of Palestine PLE Mohammed Rashid
77 MF Indonesia IDN Ramdani Lestaluhu
86 MF Indonesia IDN Tegar Infantrie
88 GK Indonesia IDN Muhammad Ridho
91 MF Indonesia IDN Rahmat
94 FW Brazil BRA Jefferson Assis

Other players under contract

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
76 FW Indonesia IDN Kadek Dimas Satria
87 MF Indonesia IDN I Komang Dedi Nova

Out on loan

As of 11 November 2023

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
26 DF Indonesia IDN Komang Tri (at Nusantara United until end of the season)
67 GK Indonesia IDN I Komang Aryantara (at PSIM until end of the season)

Youth teams

Players to have featured in a first-team matchday squad for Bali United or registered in competitions.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
28 MF Indonesia IDN I Gede Sunu Jyesta Wibawa
42 MF Indonesia IDN Maouri Ananda
61 GK Indonesia IDN I Wayan Arta Wiguna
63 DF Indonesia IDN Gerry Wilson

Women's team

Bali United also operate a women's football team. They have been affiliated to the men's team since 2019 and were one of the 10 inaugural teams of the Liga 1 Putri.

Club officials

Corporate hierarchy

Position Name
Chairman Pieter Tanuri
Chief Executive Officer Yabes Tanuri
Chief Operating Officer Katharine Wianna
Corporate Secretary Yohanes Ade Bunian Moniaga
President Director Yabes Tanuri
Directors Yohanes Ade Bunian Moniaga
Katharine Wianna
Putri Paramita Sudali
President Commissioner Jemi Wiyono Prihadi
Commissioner Edy Soehartono
Independent Commissioner Muhamad Iman Usman
Ambassadors United States Silentó

Coaching staff

Position Name
Head coach Brazil Stefano Cugurra
Assistant coach Indonesia Stefan Keeltjes
Goalkeeping coach Brazil Marcelo Pires
Physical coach Brazil Stefano Implagliazzo
Indonesia Muhammad Rasyid

Head coach's history

Caretaker coaches are listed in italics.

Period Name Ref
2014–2017 Indonesia Indra Sjafri
2017 Austria Hans-Peter Schaller
2017 Indonesia Eko Purjianto
2017–2018 Indonesia Widodo C. Putro
2018 Indonesia Eko Purjianto
2019– Brazil Stefano Cugurra

Honours

Domestic

League

Friendly

Statistics

Season by season record

Season League Piala
Indonesia
AFC CL AFC Cup ASEAN CC Top goalscorer(s)
Division Pld W D L F A Pts Pos Name Goals
2015 Super League 2 0 0 2 3 7 0 17th Indonesia Lerby Eliandry 3
2016 ISC A 34 10 10 14 36 52 40 12th Serbia Nemanja Vidaković 7
2017 Liga 1 34 21 5 8 76 38 68 2nd Netherlands Sylvano Comvalius 37
2018 Liga 1 34 12 9 13 44 48 45 11th QF PR2 GS Indonesia Ilija Spasojević 14
2019 Liga 1 34 19 7 8 48 35 64 1st Indonesia Ilija Spasojević 19
2020 Liga 1 3 2 1 0 5 2 7 2nd PR2 DNF Cancelled Netherlands Melvin Platje 6
2021–22 Liga 1 34 23 6 5 57 26 75 1st Cancelled Indonesia Ilija Spasojević 23
2022–23 Liga 1 34 16 6 12 67 53 54 5th GS Indonesia Ilija Spasojević
Cameroon Privat Mbarga
17

Notes:

  1. ^ The season was discontinued by PSSI on 2 May 2015 due to a ban by the sports minister on PSSI running any football competition.
  2. ^ ISC A was an unofficial competition replacing Indonesia Super League that was suspended.
  3. ^ The season was discontinued by PSSI on 20 January 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia.
Champions Runners-up 3rd place Promoted Relegated

AFC club competitions record

Season Competition Round Club Home Away Aggregate
2018 AFC Champions League Preliminary round 1 Singapore Tampines Rovers 3–1 (H)
Preliminary round 2 Thailand Chiangrai United 1–2 (A) (a.e.t.)
AFC Cup Group stage Myanmar Yangon United 1–3 2–3 4th
Philippines Global Cebu 1–3 1–1
Vietnam FLC Thanh Hóa 3–1 0–0
2020 AFC Champions League Preliminary round 1 Singapore Tampines Rovers 5–3 (A) (a.e.t.)
Preliminary round 2 Australia Melbourne Victory 0–5 (A)
AFC Cup Group stage Vietnam Than Quảng Ninh 4–1 Cancelled DNF
Cambodia Svay Rieng Cancelled 1–2
Philippines Ceres–Negros Cancelled 0–4
2021 AFC Cup Group stage Cambodia Boeung Ket Cancelled DNF
Winners of ASEAN 3.1 Cancelled
Vietnam Hanoi Cancelled
2022 AFC Cup Group stage Malaysia Kedah Darul Aman 2–0 3rd
Cambodia Visakha 2–5
Philippines Kaya–Iloilo 1–0
2023–24 AFC Champions League Preliminary round Hong Kong Lee Man 1–5 (A)
AFC Cup Group stage Philippines Stallion Laguna 5–2 5–2 3rd
Malaysia Terengganu 1–1 0–2
Australia Central Coast Mariners 1–2 3–6

Notes: Bali United score are listed first.

Other departments

eSports

In February 2019, Bali United opened an eSports department named Island of Gods (IOG), becoming the first professional football club in Indonesia to do so. They have five divisions so far, such as: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, FIFA, and Pro Evolution Soccer. In Free Fire Asia Invitational (FFAI) 2019 tournament, they managed to become champions after getting the highest points with 2,345 points.

Basketball

in December 2020, Bali United introduced a basketball team called the Bali United Basketball in a virtual press conference taglined Bali Bernyali. Bali United Basketball is the first ever IBL team that is from Bali, they joined the league in 2021.


This page was last updated at 2024-01-06 13:00 UTC. Update now. View original page.

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