PSSI Asks Public Not to Blame Players After Indonesia's AFF Cup Exit

The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) is urging fans to refrain from directing vitriol at the national team's players and coaches following their failure to advance in the 2026 AFF Cup. Yunus Nusi, the PSSI Secretary General, acknowledged the public's disappointment after the "Garuda" squad drew 1-1 with Singapore, resulting in their exit from the semifinals.

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We must continue to appreciate our national team for their efforts. Feel free to criticize PSSI or the Chairman; we accept that. However, the most important thing is not to vilify the players and coaches. They are our assets for the future.

"We must continue to appreciate our national team for their efforts. Feel free to criticize PSSI or the Chairman; we accept that. However, the most important thing is not to vilify the players and coaches. They are our assets for the future," Yunus stated. He extended a deep apology to the Indonesian football community for the unsatisfactory results, emphasizing that the players and coaches deserve appreciation for their tournament efforts.

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Regarding the AFF Cup results, PSSI offers its deepest apologies to the entire Indonesian football community for not delivering a perfectly satisfactory outcome.

Nusi highlighted that the young players have long careers ahead and are expected to achieve greater success, making public support crucial for their development. "There is still great hope that these young men can elevate our football to new heights of achievement," he said. PSSI confirmed that the AFF Cup failure would undergo a comprehensive evaluation, a standard procedure involving the PSSI Chair, National Team Body, Executive Committee, and coaching staff, irrespective of the team's success or failure.

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There is still great hope that these young men can elevate our football to new heights of achievement.