Indonesia’s Fireball Football

Soccer has never quite taken hold in the United States, but it might gain some traction if we played it like Indonesians do — by setting the ball on fire. To mark the beginning of Ramadan, Indonesians hold a tournament of sepak bola api, or fireball soccer. Popular in the East Java province, the sport brings together different groups to see who can compete without getting burnt.

To prepare for the games, participants must cover themselves in non-flammable salts and spices and take part in a ritual they believe makes them impervious to fire. This is important because the players all kick the ball with their bare feet. The games are also marked by a series of prayers in order to celebrate the holy month.

Rather than using a traditional soccer bar, incredibly easy to burn, the sepak bola api ball is actually a coconut soaked in kerosene. Some players prefer to soak the ball for 30 minutes before the game, while others soak theirs for up to a week.

Aside from the flaming coconut flying through the air, the rules of the game are fairly similar to regular soccer around the world. They don’t take place in large stadiums, but spectators are always welcome at the matches as long as you respect and observe the rules and spiritual practices of the locals. And, we’re guessing, stay clear of the burning ball.