DFL signs MoU with PSSI to strengthen role of football in Indonesia

From left to right after signing the MoU: Peer Naubert (CMO, Bundesliga International), Axel Hellmann (CEO, DFL), Erick Thohir (President, PSSI), Carsten Cramer (Managing Director, Borussia Dortmund).
  • Meeting held with PSSI President Mr. Erick Thohir at the DFL headquarters in Frankfurt on Wednesday
  • Agreement focuses on advancing technical and sporting expertise, and advancing league and club structures
  • MoU formalises the intensifying relationship between the two organisations

9 June 2023 – The DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga has entered into a broader collaboration with the Persatuan Sepakbola Seluruh Indonesia (PSSI), the national governing body of football in Indonesia, after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed this week.

A high-level delegation from the PSSI, led by the organisation’s President Mr. Erick Thohir, was welcomed to the DFL headquarters in Frankfurt on Wednesday to discuss strengthening the role of football in Indonesia, with the focus on two key areas: advancing technical and sporting expertise, and advancing league and club structures. Over the course of the MoU, both parties have committed to conduct training activities and sessions, and collaborate in the organisation of joint marketing activities, in order to support these core areas.

Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s most populous country and one of our most important markets, sharing Germany’s fervent passion for the game of football.

Peer Naubert (CMO, Bundesliga International)

Bundesliga International CMO Peer Naubert said: “Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s most populous country and one of our most important markets, sharing Germany’s fervent passion for the game of football. It is for this reason that we see a strong connection between the DFL and PSSI, further strengthening German-Indonesian ties.

Bundesliga already active in Indonesia

“The Bundesliga has been highly active in Indonesia over the years, working closely with local authorities and partners to support the growth of football, with projects such as ‘Bundesliga Common Ground Jakarta’ and ‘Bundesliga Experience Indonesia’. We are pleased to formalise our commitment in Indonesia and strengthen our relationship with Mr. Thohir and the PSSI, to jointly advance football across the country and further develop the Bundesliga’s presence in Indonesia. We look forward to many years of close collaboration.”

“One of Europe´s fines leagues”

President of PSSI, Mr. Erick Thohir said: “We appreciate the warm reception. Today, PSSI and DFL convened for a series of meetings to delve deeper into the management of professional football in Germany, renowned as one of Europe’s finest leagues. This endeavor aligns with our mission to elevate the Indonesian football league, aiming to become the premier football competition in Southeast Asia (ASEAN).

“The collaboration with DFL aims to propel the sporting level and technical aspects of Indonesian football, igniting an upward trajectory of game quality and competitiveness. This partnership holds the power to revolutionise not only the sport itself but also the development of our young players. As the foundations of the competition are fortified through this agreement, professionalism will permeate crucial aspects such as competition organisation, stadium management, fan safety, and licensing.”

Bundesliga: home of Asian players in Europe

The Bundesliga is well-known as the home of Asian players in Europe, and more players from Asia playing in Germany’s top flight in the last 20 years than the other top four European leagues combined, producing local heroes, such as Japan’s Makoto Hasebe and South Korea’s Jae-sung Lee.