The 2026 President's Cup a Platform for Club Preparation and Supporter Education

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Chairman of the All-Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir, emphasized that the 2026 President's Cup will be a momentum for Indonesian football clubs to prepare themselves for official competitions. Even, it also fosters a culture of safe, orderly, and sportsmanlike supporters.

He said the eighth edition of the President's Cup will be participated by eight clubs, consisting of several legendary Indonesian clubs and representatives from Southeast Asia, including the defending champion Port FC from Thailand.

"We want to ensure that the Indonesian clubs that participate are teams with a long history in the development of Indonesian football, both during the Perserikatan era and the Liga Indonesia. There are Persib, Persija, PSMS, Persebaya, and Arema, which have been the pillars of national football," he said at a press conference in Jakarta, Monday, July 6, 2026.

The Chairman said that the presence of Port FC is expected to serve as a benchmark for Indonesian clubs to test their playing quality before entering official competitions, both at the national and international levels.

He added that the number of tournament participants is intentionally limited so as not to disrupt the competition schedules of each club. Additionally, the PSSI also considers the players' fitness aspects to ensure that the pre-season tournament does not increase the risk of injuries ahead of the competition season.

"We consider the competition schedules of each club, both domestically and internationally. We must ensure that the pre-season tournament does not disrupt the team's preparations for the actual competition," he said.

In addition to being a warm-up event, Erick hopes that the 2026 President's Cup can provide quality entertainment for the public while also strengthening the positive image of Indonesian football.

He also invited all supporters to make football a unifying event for the nation by upholding sportsmanship and mutual respect.

"We must respect each other as fellow children of the nation." I want all supporters to come to the stadium with joy and return home safely. "Don't let Indonesian football be marred by acts of violence that harm all parties," The Chairman said.