On January 6, the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) made waves by announcing the dismissal of Coach Shin Tae Yong in the morning and swiftly appointing new coach Patrick Kluivert just hours later. However, the story doesn’t end there. A surprising revelation emerged that PSSI has yet to officially complete the termination procedures for the South Korean coach, sparking debates about the organization’s management practices.
Initial Information on the Case
In the morning of January 6, PSSI announced the termination of Coach Shin Tae Yong, who had led the Indonesian national team through turbulent times. Shortly after, during the same day’s lunchtime, they rushed to announce that former Dutch star Patrick Kluivert would take over as head coach.
However, according to Shin Tae Yong’s assistant, Kim Jong Jin, as of January 22, PSSI still hasn’t signed the official termination document. This has raised questions about the professionalism of the Indonesian football management organization.
Reasons for Delay: Financial Issues and Contracts
The primary reason for this delay is the substantial compensation amount PSSI must pay to Coach Shin Tae Yong. According to Jawapos, the compensation totals 70.3 billion rupiah (approximately 110 billion IDR). This significant sum reflects the binding nature of the contract between both parties.
A member of the PSSI Executive Board admitted, “We have to spend tens of billions of rupiah to compensate Coach Shin Tae Yong.” Meanwhile, PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir emphasized the organization’s commitment to adhering to the terms of their contracts.
“PSSI must maintain the agreements we’ve made with our coaches to be a trustworthy organization,” Mr. Erick Thohir stated in the Indonesian media.
Proposals from PSSI and Reactions from Coach Shin Tae Yong
Facing financial pressure, PSSI proposed an alternative solution to reduce costs. Specifically, Chairman Erick Thohir suggested that Coach Shin Tae Yong lead Persis Solo, a club owned by him, as part of the contract settlement package. However, the South Korean coach firmly rejected the offer.
This rejection not only reflects Coach Shin Tae Yong’s firm stance but also indicates that his relationship with PSSI has reached an impasse. Two days prior, Coach Shin Tae Yong officially bid farewell to Indonesian soccer, offering best wishes to the national team and new coach Patrick Kluivert.
Meaning and Lessons Learned
The case of Coach Shin Tae Yong is not just an isolated incident but also highlights broader issues in Indonesian football management. The delays in the dismissal process not only affect PSSI’s reputation but also set a negative precedent for how foreign coaches are treated.
Moreover, this situation underscores the importance of establishing clear and transparent contracts. Without proper financial and legal preparation, football organizations can face crises when high-level personnel changes are necessary.
Conclusion
While PSSI’s decision to dismiss Coach Shin Tae Yong marks a new chapter for Indonesian soccer, its execution leaves valuable lessons. To build trust and enhance its image, PSSI needs to improve its processes, particularly in financial management and contract adherence. Only then can Indonesian soccer advance further on the international stage.
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