INDONESIA TO REBUILD ITS FOOTBALL IMAGE AFTER KLUIVERT EXIT, MEDIA CONTROVERSY -- PSSI CHIEF

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- Indonesia must rebuild its international football reputation after two damaging incidents before appointing a new national coach, Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) chairman Erick Thohir said.

He said the first setback was the early termination of Dutch coach Patrick Kluivert's contract and that of his staff - a move that drew criticism online after the national team’s failure in the fourth round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The second involved false local media reports claiming Japan, South Korea and Iraq had withdrawn from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), prompting concern among officials.

"It won't be easy, and we can't rush to appoint a new coach in this situation. I have to explain to the international football community what happened and try to win back their trust," Erick told reporters at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Central Jakarta on Friday (Oct 25).

He said the reports had raised concern among AFC members who questioned Indonesia's delegation, led by PSSI secretary-general Yunus Nusi, during the AFC Awards in Riyadh last week.

"AFC media closely monitors coverage in Indonesia," Yunus said, adding that his delegation was questioned by AFC members and journalists about the accuracy of the report, with many expressing surprise and seeking clarification on its source.

Erick said both incidents demonstrated that a football nation’s reputation relies as much on integrity and communication as on performance and results.

"This is a lesson for all of us. International trust must be earned and rebuilt gradually," he said.

On the search for a new coach, he emphasised that the decision must follow a measured process to prevent setbacks to national football development.

Erick welcomed views from fans but urged them to avoid spreading speculation, including linking the role to Dutch coach Louis van Gaal, who currently serves as an adviser to Ajax Amsterdam, one of the Netherlands’ top Eredivisie clubs.

-- BERNAMA