Indonesia coach Patrick Kluivert. -- Photo: REUTERS
JAKARTA (Bernama): The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has parted ways with national team coach Patrick Kluivert by mutual consent, following the team’s failure to advance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
In a statement on Thursday, the PSSI said the decision was part of a broader review of Indonesia’s football development strategy and the future direction of the national team.
Former Dutch international and Barcelona striker, Kluivert, who signed a two-year contract in January to replace South Korean coach Shin Tae-yong, departed along with his coaching team, ending their duties with Indonesia’s senior, Under-23 and Under-20 squads.
PSSI chairman and Sports Minister Erick Thohir, in a separate statement, thanked Kluivert and his staff for their contributions, calling them as an important part of the team’s recent progress.
"Our appreciation also goes to supporters, players, their families and officials who have shown unwavering support, helping the national team reach the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, a historic achievement for Indonesian football,” he said.
He stressed that the PSSI would conduct a full evaluation and set new goals for the national side, including breaking into FIFA’s top 100, qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup, and reaching the 2030 World Cup. - Bernama
