The strong performance of the Indonesian Futsal National Team at the 2026 Asian Futsal Cup has attracted interest from 10 European clubs toward its players. Coach Hector Souto's squad reached the final for the first time, though they lost to Iran on penalties. PSSI has accepted an AFC fine of Rp235 million without appeal.
The Indonesian Futsal National Team reached the final of the 2026 Asian Futsal Cup held in Jakarta, marking a historic first for the Garuda squad. On February 7, 2026, at Indonesia Arena, they held Iran to a 5-5 draw until the end of extra time, before losing 4-5 in a penalty shootout. Iran, the defending champions and kings of Asian futsal, claimed the title.
This success has opened doors for Indonesian players in Europe. Chairman of the Indonesian Futsal Federation (FFI), Michael Victor Sianipar, stated that 10 strong clubs from Spain, Portugal, France, and other countries have contacted him regarding the potential of Indonesian players. This information came through Jose Tirado, the Spanish advisor for Indonesian futsal competitions.
"10 strong clubs from Spain, Portugal, France and others have contacted me asking about the potential of players from Indonesia," Michael Victor Sianipar wrote on Instagram.
One standout player is Israr Megantara, born October 30, 2004, who has received a concrete offer from Burela FS, a club in Spain's second-tier futsal league. If realized, he would follow in the footsteps of Evan Soumilena, who previously played in Portugal with ADCR Caxinas. Interest in Southeast Asian players is growing, as seen with Thai player Muhammad Osamanmusa at FS Cartagena in Spain.
However, this achievement was overshadowed by sanctions from the AFC. The AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee imposed a total fine of USD 14,000, or about Rp235 million, on PSSI for disciplinary violations during the tournament. The penalties stemmed from two matches: Indonesia vs South Korea on January 27, 2026, and Iran vs Afghanistan on February 1, 2026.
Violations in the match against South Korea included an individual without accreditation entering the technical area (USD 3,000), a supporter entering the field (USD 3,000), and failure to ensure stadium security (USD 5,000). In the Iran vs Afghanistan game, five supporters entered the field, resulting in a USD 3,000 fine.
"One individual affiliated with the defendant entered the area around the playing field and/or controlled access area at the end of the match without having the required physical accreditation device," stated the official AFC announcement.
PSSI decided not to appeal the fine. PSSI Executive Committee member Arya Sinulingga said the decision aims to educate the public that futsal falls under PSSI's umbrella, including financial responsibilities.
"No. We'll just accept it. At least so people know that it's PSSI that's hit with the fine," Arya Sinulingga said.
"So that many netizens understand that futsal is under PSSI. We also cover the funding. The futsal at the Asian Cup was largely financed by us," he added.
PSSI has 30 days to pay the fine from the date of the decision.
