Reduction Of Foreign Players In Super League 2025/2026: Full Support Clubs And APPI

JAKARTA - A number of big Indonesian clubs have expressed their support for the pressure to reduce the number of foreign players in the 2025/2026 Super League. Initially, the I-League (PT Liga Indonesia Baru) decided on eight players and has now been reduced to a maximum of seven foreign players.

This adjustment is a response to the insistence of the General Chairperson (Ketum) of PSSI, Erick Thohir.

He stated that reducing the number of foreign players could encourage the transformation of competition so that it could provide more space for the development of local players, especially U-23 players.

The pressure to reduce foreign players also received support from elite clubs, such as Bali United, Arema FC, Persijap Jepara, PSM Makassar, Persita Tangerang, and Persija Jakarta.

They considered that the reduction in the number of foreign players was not only a strategic step to maintain the quality of competition, but also as a form of responsibility in producing a new generation of Indonesian footballers.

"I support the proposal emphasized by the Chairman of PSSI because reducing the number of foreign players from eight to seven is part of a strategic approach to maintain a balance between the quality of competition and commitment to the development of local players. Including increasing the role of U-23 players at the club level," said Sadikin Aksa, President of PSM, in a statement received Thursday, July 17, 2025.

The same thing was also expressed by Pieter Tanuri. The owner of Bali United stated that reducing the number of foreign players is not a form of restriction, but an opportunity for local talents and young players.

"The opportunity for young Indonesian players to develop, show quality, and become an important part of the future of national football."

"Bali United fully supports this policy as part of a healthier transformation of competition and its long-term orientation," he said.

Ahmad Zaki Iskandar, President of Persita Tangerang, also expressed a good response. He said limiting the number of foreign players for the new season was a positive challenge for local players to increase their competitiveness and quality of their game.

"This new regulation is a healthy challenge for local players. With the reduced quota of foreign players, we hope that young Indonesian talents can get more opportunities to play and develop."

"Persita fully supports this step as part of a more balanced and sustainable transformation of competition," he said.

Not only club owners, the Indonesian Professional Players Association (APPI) also expressed support for the policy.

APPI menilai bahwa peningkatan jam bermain bagi pemain muda akan berdampak positif terhadap keberlanjutan karier para atlet dan memperkuat struktur pembinaan di level klub.