PSSI General Chairman Erick Thohir invited supporters and netizens not to bully Elkan Baggott because he did not join the Indonesian National Team ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifying match in the Asian zone.
"We should not be cynical and cruel, cornering him because Elkan has also guarded the national team," said Erick on the sidelines of the AFF U-23 Cup tournament draw in Jimbaran, Badung Regency, Bali, Friday.
According to him, each player has certain choices including prioritizing club matters or personal matters.
If the 22-year-old defender returns to defend the National Team, he continued, then it will depend on the coaching team's considerations.
"Later, if one day he wants to come back, but our coaching team is willing to accept him, I appreciate Patrick Kluivert calling directly, but of course there are options," he said.
Previously, the player who plays for the Ipswich Town club in the English Premier League did not join the Indonesian National Team to undergo a training camp in Bali.
