AFC denies reports of Indonesia leaving Asia, PSSI affirms commitment.
The AFC has reminded PSSI following rumors from an Iraqi television channel about the possibility of Indonesia leaving the AFC to join the East Asian Federation. PSSI denied the rumors, affirming continued cooperation and urging fans not to spread misinformation.
The AFC has issued a warning to the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) following rumors that Indonesia is considering leaving the AFC to join the East Asian Confederation (EAC). PSSI categorically denied the claim, stating, “This is completely fabricated information... PSSI has never intended to leave the AFC,” Secretary General Yunus Nusi affirmed, while also urging fans not to support falsehoods.
Developments: From rumors to official response
The controversy began with a television channel in Iraq reporting that South Korea and Japan were unhappy with how the AFC was organizing the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the AFC Champions League, and were considering withdrawing to form their own federations. Accordingly, several Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand were reportedly among those "invited to participate."
The information quickly spread on Indonesian social media, gaining support from a segment of fans disappointed after the national team's early elimination from the World Cup qualifiers. Some called for PSSI to separate from AFC and start over.
The AFC immediately reacted and reprimanded PSSI. Mr. Yunus Nusi stated that many member federations had contacted them to verify the information and that the AFC "closely monitors social media activity," expressing displeasure at the rapid spread of the rumor. PSSI had to provide an explanation and affirm that it had no plans to leave the AFC.
Analysis: Why the rumors started?
The context that fueled these rumors stemmed from fan dissatisfaction after the AFC awarded hosting rights for two World Cup qualifying groups to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. This decision was seen by some fans in Iraq and Indonesia as "biased towards West Asia," creating an environment for theories about a potential break from the AFC to flourish.
Conversely, PSSI opted for a "early denial, quick clarification" communication strategy: issuing a message affirming its commitment to the AFC while reassuring the public. The AFC emphasized that the interests and image of member federations negatively affected by the spread of baseless rumors, thereby indirectly prompting PSSI to act quickly to stabilize the situation.
Key facts
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Source of origin | A television channel in Iraq |
| The country mentioned | South Korea, Japan; ASEAN: Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand |
| The reason mentioned | Dissatisfaction with the way the AFC is organizing the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the AFC Champions League. |
| AFC Response | Remind PSSI; closely monitor social media activity. |
| PSSI Action | Rumors denied; no plans to leave AFC confirmed. |
| Controversial decision | The AFC awarded Saudi Arabia and Qatar the hosting rights for two World Cup qualifying groups. |
Response: What did PSSI say?
Mr. Yunus Nusi emphasized: “This is completely fabricated information. PSSI has never intended to leave the AFC, but unfortunately, this rumor has caused us to be reprimanded at an international event. We hope fans will not contribute to spreading falsehoods.”
He added: “Many member federations have contacted us about this… We have had to explain and confirm that we have no plans to leave the AFC.”
Impact and prospects
Under pressure from public opinion, PSSI prioritized media stability, urging fans to remain calm and trust in the development roadmap within the AFC framework. The message was clear: “Indonesia remains a part of Asian football and will continue to cooperate closely with the AFC... Hopefully, this will be a lesson for everyone,” concluded Yunus Nusi.
With the official statement from PSSI and the AFC's oversight, the rumors have temporarily come to an end. According to PSSI, the immediate focus of Indonesian football is to strengthen trust and continue its activities within the AFC ecosystem.
