Indra Sjafri Is Rumored To Be Training Indonesia U-23, PSSI Chairman Denies

JAKARTA - Menpora Dito Ariotedjo had mentioned that the former U-20 Indonesian national team coach, Indra Sjafri, was associated with being the person who would endow the U-23 Indonesian national team for the 2025 SEA Games. However, this was denied by the Chairman (Ketum) of PSSI, Erick Thohir.

The chairman of PSSI emphasized that the coach who will definitely handle the U-23 Indonesian national team is Gerald Vanenburg. This was conveyed by Erick Thohir in a press conference on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

On the same occasion, Erick Thohir emphasized that the current U-20 Indonesian national team coach position is still vacant after Indra Sjafri was terminated. He also discussed the figure of the coach who will lead the team at the 2025 SEA Games.

"If asked by the Indonesian U-20 coach, it doesn't exist yet because we will release coach Indra Sjafri."

"If asked who the U-23 Indonesian coach is? Already there, his name is Gerald (Vanenburg). I think I answered earlier."

"We don't have Indonesia U-20 yet. When we talk about the 2025 SEA Games, it's multi-event, the funds are full from the government," said Erick Thohir.

"Of course we will see if there will be a Government review later, whether it will send football (to the SEA Games), whether there is a certain request, yes, we will listen to it from the Government because multi-events are the domain of the Government," he said.

Erick Thohir emphasized that so far there has been no decision regarding the coaching team that will handle the Indonesian national team for the SEA Games.

The chairman of PSSI also stated that the federation is focusing on the appointment of Technical Advisors which is now held by Jordi Cruyff.

"So, if asked if there is a commitment or decision? Not yet, because we have just finished reviewing releasing coach Indra."

"Then it's not true that coach Indra took Indonesia U-23 because there was already Gerald. So, don't create unnecessary confusion."

"Now we are focused on taking technical advisors who have big names, new record tracks, to strengthen our team," said Erick Thohir.

PSSI is focusing on finding the Technical Director after receiving Technical Advisors.

Sementara itu, SEA Games 2025 akan berlangsung di tiga kota, yakni Bangkok, Chonburi, dan Songkhla pada 6-20 Desember 2025.