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By Hoang Nguyen  February 24, 2025 | 04:54 pm PT
Coach Indra Sjafri during a press conference in 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Thoa
The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has announced the dismissal of Indra Sjafri, a coach who previously led the country to the U19 AFF Cup title and SEA Games 32 gold medal.
Sjafri's removal follows Indonesia’s disastrous campaign at the 2025 U20 Asian Cup, where the team earned just one point from three matches and finished at the bottom of their group. Upon returning from the tournament, Sjafri received his dismissal notice.
"After an emergency meeting, the PSSI executive committee has conducted an evaluation and decided to relieve Indra Sjafri of his duties as the U20 team coach," PSSI website stated.
Sjafri had been tasked with guiding Indonesia to at least the quarterfinals of the U20 Asian Cup, with hopes of reaching the semifinals to qualify for the 2025 U20 World Cup. However, his team struggled, managing to score just one goal throughout the entire tournament.
PSSI confirmed that it is now searching for a replacement.
"President Erick Thohir will immediately appoint a new coach to continue Indonesia's youth football development program," PSSI stated. "We will maintain the progress made over the past two years as we prepare the next generation of players for the national team."
Sjafri is widely regarded as one of Southeast Asia's most successful youth football coaches. He helped Indonesia win two U19 AFF Cup, one U22 title and a SEA Games gold medal. While Indonesia national team have struggled for major achievements, Sjafri was the only coach that brought glory to Indonesian football.
Following his dismissal, PSSI is now looking to appoint a Dutch coach to lead the U20 team. The strongest candidate is Gerald Vanenburg, currently an assistant to Patrick Kluivert on the national team. Vanenburg is also the head coach of U22 Indonesia, which are preparing for the SEA Games 33 later this year.
PSSI is reportedly keen for Vanenburg to take charge of both the U20 and U22 teams, allowing him to oversee player development more effectively and ensure smooth transitions between age groups. If appointed, he is expected to rotate young talents between the two squads.
