Indonesia sacks head coach Kluivert after World Cup failure

By Hoang An October 16, 2025 | 12:09 am PT

Coach Patrick Kluivert in his final match leading Indonesia, against Iraq in Group B of the fourth qualifying round of World Cup at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia on Oct. 11, 2025. Photo by Reuters

The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has officially dismissed head coach Patrick Kluivert after just nine months in charge, following the team's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The decision was announced on Oct. 16, five days after Indonesia's 0-1 loss to Iraq ended their qualifying campaign.

PSSI said the termination was reached by mutual agreement, based on evaluations and the association's future strategic direction.

"After an open, thorough and respectful discussion, both parties agreed to end this partnership," the federation said on Instagram. It did not state the reason for the termination.

Along with Kluivert, Dutch colleagues Gerald Vanenburg (U23 team coach) and Frank van Kempen (U20 team coach) also left their positions as part of a broader review of Indonesia's football development program.

On his Instagram, PSSI president Erick Thohir thanked Kluivert and his staff for their efforts over the past year.

"Thank you, coach Patrick Kluivert and the coaching staff, for accompanying PSSI and the national team for nearly 12 months. With all due respect, we have agreed to end this collaboration," Thohir wrote.

The PSSI president also thanked fans and players for supporting Indonesia to reach the fourth round of World Cup qualifiers for the first time, calling it a historic milestone of Indonesian football.

According to CNN Indonesia, the early termination means PSSI has to pay compensation to the Dutch coach. Kluivert signed a two-year deal in January 2025, replacing Shin Tae-yong with the goal of taking Indonesia to the World Cup.

When Turkish club Adana Demirspor dismissed Kluivert in the previous season, he received about US$175,000. A PSSI source said the payout for Kluivert this time will not be much different.

Kluivert's stint with Indonesia started with a 1-5 defeat to Australia, before winning 1-0 against Bahrain and China to secure a place in the fourth qualifying round. Defeats to Saudi Arabia (2-3) and Iraq (0-1) then ended their World Cup dream. In total, Kluivert led Indonesia in eight matches, winning three, drawing one and losing four, a 37.5% win rate that makes him the shortest-serving head coach in the history of Indonesian football.

After parting ways with the 49-year-old coach, Thohir said PSSI will quickly consider candidates and set new targets.

"We aim to bring the team into the world's top 100, qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup and the 2030 World Cup," he added.