Breaking News: Shin Tae-yong dismissed. He is no longer the coach of the Indonesian national team, following an official announcement by PSSI (Indonesian Football Association) during a press conference held in Jakarta on Monday, 6 January 2024.
“We are, of course, grateful to Coach Shin Tae-yong for his contributions thus far. My relationship with him has been very positive, and we have worked together to implement the desired programmes,” said Erick Thohir, Chairman of PSSI.
Erick confirmed that Shin Tae-yong had been formally notified of his dismissal earlier in the day by Sumardji, Chairman of the National Team Agency (BTN).
“Mr Sumardji met with Coach Shin Tae-yong this morning. He has received the correspondence, and there will be subsequent processes regarding the conclusion of our working relationship. I extend my gratitude to him,” Erick added.
Persatuan Sepakbola Seluruh Indonesia mengumumkan pengakhiran kontrak Shin Tae-yong sebagai Kepala Pelatih Tim Nasional Indonesia Senior dan U-23.
Keputusan ini dibuat berdasarkan pertimbangan yang panjang dan matang serta evaluasi yang dilakukan oleh Persatuan Sepakbola Seluruh… pic.twitter.com/sUfeldDy1D
— Timnas Indonesia (@TimnasIndonesia) January 6, 2025
Since his introduction to the public on 28 December 2019, Shin Tae-yong has not managed to secure a trophy for the Indonesian national team. However, his dedication to the Garuda Team has led to numerous achievements, particularly in improving the team’s mental strength and development.
PSSI has confirmed that a new coach for the national team will be appointed on Saturday, 11 January, with the official announcement expected on Sunday, 12 January.
Shin Tae-yong’s Achievements as Indonesian National Team Coach
Despite the lack of trophies, Shin Tae-yong brought significant positive changes to the Indonesian national team. One of his notable contributions was fostering the emergence of young players, such as Marselino Ferdinan.
The national team also made progress in the third round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Shin Tae-yong’s most remarkable achievement was leading Indonesia to historic success by advancing to the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification for the Asian zone, having finished as Group F runners-up in the second round. This milestone also secured the Garuda Team’s automatic qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
At the start of his tenure, Shin Tae-yong revived Indonesia’s footballing spirit by guiding the national team to qualify for the 2024 Asian Cup, ending a 16-year absence from the tournament.
The following is a summary of Shin Tae-yong’s achievements during his four years as coach:
- Runners-up of the 2020 AFF Cup
- Bronze medal at the 2021 SEA Games
- Runners-up of the 2023 AFF U23 Cup
- Qualified for the last 16 of the 2023 Asian Cup
- Advanced to the group stage of the 2023 U20 Asian Cup
- Qualified as semi-finalists of the 2024 U23 Asian Cup
- Improved FIFA ranking from 175 to 134
- Secured qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup
- Progressed to the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
South Korean Media Reaction
The news about Shin Tae-yong dismissed as a coach has garnered attention from South Korean media, which highlighted the growing rumours surrounding his exit in recent days. Reports suggested his position might be filled by a European coach.
Chosun, criticised the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), writing:
“The bad habits of the Indonesian federation [PSSI] in unsettling Shin Tae-yong have resurfaced. Why does this keep happening?”
Chosun also attributed Shin Tae-yong’s challenges in the 2024 AFF Cup to his inability to call up his preferred players, forcing him to rely on U-22 players.
Meanwhile, Sports Khan reported on the backlash from Indonesian football fans, many of whom protested against Shin Tae-yong’s dismissal.
“Indonesian football fans are protesting the rumours of Shin Tae-yong’s dismissal that have surfaced from the Indonesian Football Federation [PSSI]. Many fans argue that PSSI should trust and retain Coach Shin,” wrote Sports Khan.