March 26, 2026 | 09:54 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian national team coach John Herdman has responded to the absence of Dean James from the squad for the FIFA Series 2026. He stated that he respects the decision of the player, who was unable to join his side.
The Go Ahead Eagles defender was previously included in the provisional list of 24 players, selected from an initial pool of 41 names. However, prior to the matches, he was cut from the final 23-man roster. "Dean has made his statement, and it's important to respect the player's decision," Herdman said during a press conference at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
Herdman considers James to remain a vital component of the team, both for the present and the future. "He is an outstanding player and an important part of this team," said the English tactician. He added that he would not be calling up a replacement, choosing instead to focus on the existing group. "I am quite satisfied with the current squad," he said.
The chairperson of the National Team Board (BTN), Sumardji, mentioned that James' exclusion is related to the regulation permitting only 23 players on the final list. "If one player has to sit in the stands, it's not good for their morale. It's better not to include them," Sumardji said on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
He emphasized that the decision was discussed thoroughly with Herdman. From the initial 41 players called up, the list was whittled down to 24 before the final 23 names were determined for the tournament squad.
On the other hand, Dutch media outlet De Stentor reported that James did not travel to Indonesia due to illness. Go Ahead Eagles director Jan Willem van Dop confirmed that the player is currently unfit for duty.
Previously, James drew attention regarding an administrative status controversy in the Netherlands. The club NAC Breda had questioned the legality of his appearance in a match against Go Ahead Eagles on March 15 and reported the matter to the Dutch football federation. However, competition authorities confirmed that the match result would stand, though the investigation remains ongoing.
The Indonesian national team is scheduled to face Saint Kitts and Nevis in the opening match of the FIFA Series 2026 at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. Their subsequent match will take place on March 30 against either Bulgaria or the Solomon Islands.
Read: Coach John Herdman Aims to Revamp Indonesia's Offense
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