PSSI Awaits Official Confirmation on Asian Games Participation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s participation in the men’s football tournament at the 2026 Asian Games remains uncertain, with the country’s football authorities saying they have yet to receive any official notice of exclusion despite reports suggesting otherwise.

The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) confirmed on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, that it has not been formally informed of any cancellation of Indonesia’s involvement in the Games, which will be held in Japan.

“We have not received any official letter stating that we will not take part in the Asian Games in Japan,” said Sumardji, head of PSSI’s National Team Agency (BTN), speaking to reporters at Indomilk Arena Stadium in Tangerang Regency, as quoted by Antara.

His remarks followed reports from Vietnamese media claiming that Indonesia would be unable to compete in the men’s football event after failing to qualify for the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup.

According to those reports, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) had agreed on a new regulation stipulating that the 16 teams participating in the U-23 Asian Cup would automatically qualify for the Asian Games football tournament.

Sumardji said PSSI had coordinated with its International Department and the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) to clarify Indonesia’s status, stressing that ultimate authority over participation lies with KOI. “We will continue to coordinate because this falls under the authority of the Olympic Committee. We will update our colleagues in the media as soon as there is certainty,” he said.

He emphasized that Indonesia had been projected to compete at the 2026 Asian Games under PSSI’s original plans. The association had already submitted an initial list of players two months earlier. “We sent the entry names two months ago. From the beginning, we intended to participate in the Asian Games. So when this information emerged, we had to verify its accuracy,” he added.

Sumardji acknowledged that BTN first learned about the possibility of exclusion through media reports, prompting the federation to seek clarification. “Until today, I am still asking what the certainty is, because we have not received any truly definitive information,” he said.

In a separate interview, PSSI Secretary General Yunus Nusi also confirmed that no official communication had been received from the relevant authorities. “I communicated earlier with the Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI), Okto (Raja Sapta Oktohari). We have requested clarification. Up to now, there has been no official letter, even though we are aware that their official media published the statement,” Yunus said.

He added that clarity was urgently needed because the decision would directly affect Indonesia’s preparation plans. “I told the KOI Chairman that by tomorrow, we hope to have news, because this concerns our preparations. If there is no decision, of course, we cannot proceed further, as this is their authority,” he concluded. ***