Indonesian football elite in turmoil, PSSI President promoted: What will FIFA decide?

On September 17, Mr. Erick Thohir was appointed as the new Minister of Youth and Sports of Indonesia, and he is currently the President of the country's football agency (PSSI). Will FIFA accept it?

FIFA President congratulates, Indonesian fans want Mr. Erick Thohir to remain PSSI President

FIFA President Gianni Infantino posted a congratulatory message on his Instagram post to Erick Thohir, who became the new Minister of Youth and Sports of Indonesia. The head of the world football body praised and hoped that Erick Thohir, in his new position, would also be able to bring Indonesian sports to the world.

President of the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI), Mr. Erick Thohir (black shirt)

Photo: Dong Nguyen Khang

The PSSI President also responded with a message of thanks to Mr. Infantino: "Thank you for your congratulations and continued support, Mr. President. We are very confident that through strong cooperation and commitment, Indonesian sports and youth can continue to grow and make meaningful contributions on the international stage."

Mr. Erick Thohir also expressed: "We deeply appreciate FIFA's great support in promoting the development of football across Asia, including Indonesia. Hopefully, the cooperation between FIFA and Indonesia will continue to grow and contribute to the development of global football."

Up to now, after being officially appointed as the Minister of Youth and Sports of Indonesia, replacing his predecessor Dito Ariotedjo, Mr. Erick Thohir is still holding the position in parallel with the position of Chairman of PSSI.

This may violate FIFA regulations. Therefore, Mr. Erick Thohir said that he will wait for discussion and decision from FIFA, whether he can hold two jobs at the same time or not.

"There will be a process at FIFA. FIFA, as the world's highest football governing body, will be the one to decide. Everyone will have to comply with FIFA regulations," Erick Thohir said after the inauguration ceremony as Indonesia's Minister of Youth and Sports.

The Indonesian team is the sole representative of the Southeast Asian region in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Asia.

Photo: Reuters

Mr. Erick Thohir further explained: "We are waiting for FIFA. We are waiting for a letter from FIFA. I do not want to rush, because FIFA has its own rules and regulations. What is certain is that we will report to FIFA about this issue, and we will wait for a response report from FIFA. FIFA has higher authority than the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the field of football. So we will have to wait."

According to CNN Indonesia and newspapers in this country, most fans in the archipelago are very pleased that Mr. Erick Thohir became the new Minister of Youth and Sports of Indonesia, and also want him to continue holding the position of President of PSSI.

In case Mr. Erick Thohir has to resign, PSSI will be forced to hold an extraordinary election to elect a new president.

Mr. Erick Thohir has held the position of PSSI President since March 2023 until now, the second person after Mr. Maladi to be promoted from the position of head of the football agency to the position of Minister of Youth and Sports of Indonesia.

During his tenure, Mr. Erick Thohir has made great changes in Indonesian football through the player naturalization program, the national team still hopes to compete for a ticket to the 2026 World Cup when participating in the fourth qualifying round of the Asian region. In addition, the restructuring of the national championship system, including the 3rd and 4th divisions and youth tournaments will start from 2026.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thuong-tang-bong-da-indonesia-bien-dong-chu-tich-pssi-len-chuc-fifa-quyet-dinh-ra-sao-18525091807483962.htm