Head of Indonesian delegation suddenly 'accused' coach Kluivert on TV, PSSI will sue the referee

In an interview with Kompas TV channel, Head of the Indonesian team Sumardji unexpectedly criticized coach Kluivert for the recent poor results in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Indonesian officials and players cried in the locker room.

In the 4th qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup, the Indonesian team was in Group B and lost both matches (lost to Saudi Arabia 2-3 and lost to Iraq 0-1). This result put the Indonesian team at the bottom of the group, officially no longer having a chance to participate in the 2026 World Cup. This is considered a disappointing result for Indonesian football as they have invested a lot in the past time, bringing in many new naturalized players. Currently, coach Kluivert and his team as well as the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) have to face heavy criticism from fans.

"What just happened has left us all really disappointed. We are extremely saddened by this tragic outcome," said the head of the Indonesian team.

Mr. Sumardji has surprising shares on television

PHOTO: SCREENSHOT

According to Mr. Sumardji, many Indonesian football officials and players were shocked when the Indonesian team suffered two consecutive defeats. This result was a painful blow to Indonesian football.

Mr. Sumardji shared: "The players could not believe the result. They simply performed their duties and followed the tactics that coach Kluivert had outlined. Therefore, they felt this result was very disappointing. We all cried in the dressing room. We also wondered why the result was like that."

Mr. Sumardji revealed that this week PSSI will have an important meeting with Coach Kluivert and the Indonesian players. As the head of the delegation, Mr. Sumardji said that he has prepared all the documents and reported to PSSI.

Mr. Sumardji emphasized: “I have been with the Indonesian team for a long time. Even when the Indonesian team replaced Mr. Shin Tae-yong with Mr. Kluivert, I was still trusted. Day and night, when the team practiced, I was always there waiting for the players. If you ask who needs to be evaluated and reprimanded, it is Coach Kluivert.

When I meet with PSSI, I will explain everything that happened. The Indonesian team must apologize, so that we do not make the wrong decision again. After that, all decisions will belong to PSSI, we must change, we cannot continue like this."

Mr. Sumardji believes that coach Patrick Kluivert's ability needs to be re-evaluated.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Referee of Indonesia vs Iraq match - Ma Ning is about to be sued

One day after the Indonesian team lost 0-1 to Iraq, the media in this archipelago still surprisingly mentioned the main Chinese referee Ma Ning.

CNN Indonesia wrote: “The Indonesian national team and the Indonesian people are extremely angry with Chinese referee Ma Ning for causing many controversies in the match against Iraq in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Indonesia suffered a 0-1 defeat to Iraq and this loss came due to some controversial decisions by Ma Ning. At least two decisions by Ma Ning caused great controversy in the match between Indonesia and Iraq.”

Referee Ma Ning continues to be criticized by Indonesian media

PHOTO: REUTERS

Meanwhile, Liputan6 reported that PSSI officials were very angry with referee Ma Ning's decisions and were ready to file a complaint with the World Football Federation (FIFA).

Liputan6 wrote: “PSSI has collected 4 important pieces of evidence and is ready to sue referee Ma Ning. The decisions made by Mr. Ma Ning were subjective and did not even consult VAR. This referee has brought disadvantages to the Indonesian team and PSSI officials do not want him to participate in any of our future matches.”

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/truong-doan-indonesia-bat-ngo-to-hlv-kluivert-ngay-tren-truyen-hinh-pssi-se-kien-trong-tai-185251013120626145.htm