JAKARTA – Go Ahead Eagle defender Dean James has been excluded from the Indonesia National Team squad, a decision announced just ahead of the upcoming FIFA Series 2026 matches. The surprise removal of the 25-year-old player has drawn attention, particularly as the team prepares for crucial international fixtures.
Explaining the rationale behind the adjustment, Sumardji, Chairman of the National Team Agency (BTN), confirmed on Wednesday (25/3) that the decision was purely a matter of squad size regulations. “Dean James was indeed cancelled because only 23 players can be registered,” Sumardji stated, clarifying the technical necessity for the player’s exclusion from the final roster.
Initially, the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) had called up a provisional squad of 24 players for the highly anticipated FIFA Series 2026. However, with strict FIFA rules permitting only a 23-player roster to be officially submitted, a difficult choice had to be made. “Since only 23 can be registered, we had to drop one player,” Sumardji reiterated, highlighting the tough predicament faced by the coaching staff and management.
James’s exclusion comes after he had successfully navigated earlier squad reductions. He was initially part of a much larger preliminary pool of 41 players, demonstrating his strong initial standing within the selection process. However, Sumardji underscored that this final decision to drop James was made purely due to the numerical constraint, not based on performance.
Furthermore, Sumardji emphasized the consideration given to player morale in such challenging decisions. “If only one person is left out and told to be in the stands, that’s not good for the player’s mentality,” he explained, suggesting a desire to avoid an adverse psychological impact on a player who would essentially be a non-playing reserve. The BTN Chairman also confirmed that the decision was made in full consultation with Indonesia National Team coach John Herdman. “I also gave input to John Herdman,” Sumardji revealed, indicating a collaborative approach in finalizing the squad.
Summary
Go Ahead Eagle defender Dean James has been excluded from the Indonesia National Team squad for the upcoming FIFA Series 2026 matches. Sumardji, Chairman of the National Team Agency (BTN), confirmed this decision was purely due to FIFA’s squad size regulations, which permit only 23 registered players, not based on James’s performance.
The initial provisional squad had 24 players, requiring one to be dropped to meet the 23-player limit. Sumardji added that player morale was considered, and the decision was made in full consultation with Indonesia National Team coach John Herdman, with input from the BTN Chairman.