From the Five Candidates for the Indonesian National Team Coach, PSSI Says One Candidate Refused the Offer

JAKARTA - Member of the PSSI Executive Committee (Exco) and National Team Body (BTN) Chairman, Sumardji, said that one out of five coach candidates rejected the offer to coach the Indonesian National Team.

This was conveyed by Sumardji when he met the PSSI press in Jakarta on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. However, Sumardji did not reveal the name of the coach who refused.

"So, there are four interviews (interviews), out of five invitations," said Sumardji explaining that the PSSI interview was attended by only four coaches out of the five invited figures.

"However, from the presentation and reports I received, it narrowed down to two names. From these two names, it will be brought to the Exco meeting (PSSI Executive Committee). Hopefully it can be done soon," he said.

Sumardji also said that the coach candidates interviewed by PSSI were indeed not much different from the rumors that have been circulating so far.

Previously, there were indeed five names of candidates that emerged, they were Timur Kapadze, Jesus Casas, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, John Herdman, and Heimir Hallgrimsson. There is also the name of John Heitinga.

"Regarding the senior coach, I have conveyed a little bit of a leak, actually what my colleagues asked a little bit we have conveyed," said Sumardji.

Therefore, he asked the public to be patient. He assured that PSSI would try hard to appoint the most suitable coach.

"Rest assured, we from PSSI want to get a senior coach (Indonesian National Team) who meets the criteria needed," he said.