The chairman of the National Team Body (BTN), Sumardji, stated that he disagreed with the AFF Cup, which this year was renamed the ASEAN Hyundai Cup (ASEAN Cup), being called a low-budget and less prestigious tournament.
According to him, the AFF Cup is the most prestigious tournament in Southeast Asia even though it is not on the FIFA calendar.
"I disagree. Why? Because up until now, since our independence until now, our national team has not been able to win a championship trophy," said Sumardji at the Water Break event held by PSSI Pers.
Indonesia has never missed a match in the AFF Cup since it was first held in Singapore in 1996. Indonesia has reached the final six times, but has always lost.
Therefore, said Sumardji, this year is the right moment to break that negative record.
He said winning this year's AFF Cup was a testament to Indonesia's success, as they enter a new era under coach John Herdman after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
