Jakarta –
Dean James was dropped from the Indonesian National Team squad for the 2026 FIFA Series. This was stated by the Chairman of the National Team Body (BTN), Sumardji.
“So tonight (the national team players) are all coming. If this is Dean James, we will cancel it, because only 23 players can be registered,” said Sumardji, quoted by Antara.
“So that’s why we called 24. Well, because only 23 can be registered, we crossed out one (player),” he continued.
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Indonesian National Team coach John Herdman originally called 24 players in the final squad. Garuda will later face Saint Kitts and Nevis, while Bulgaria meets Solomon Islands on March 27 at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
“Well, if there’s only one person left and they’re told to stay in the stands, then the player’s mentality won’t be good either,” explained Sumardji.
“Yes, I was also the one who gave suggestions to John Herdman, because we only called 24 people (players). Well, if we call 24 people, we register all 23, so that automatically leaves one person. If it’s just one person, it’s better not to call, that’s what I said,” he said.
Dean James was facing administrative problems at NAC Breda after losing 0-6 against Go Ahead Eagles in the Dutch Eredivisie. According to NAC Breda, James, who has the status of an Indonesian citizen (WNI), was not eligible to play in the match because he was not a European Union player.
(ran/raw)
