Jakarta, Indonesia – Reports from Bulgaria indicate a degree of discontent from at least one top English Premier League club and a second-division German side regarding the upcoming FIFA Series 2026 in Indonesia. The issue stems from the call-ups of players to the Bulgarian national team by head coach Aleksandar Dimitrov, potentially impacting club commitments.
Bulgaria is among the nations invited to participate in the FIFA Series 2026, with Indonesia serving as one of the host countries for the international break in March. The tournament will see the Indonesian national team, under new manager John Herdman, face Saint Kitts and Nevis on March 27, 2026, although Bulgaria will compete against the Solomon Islands on the same day. The winners of each match will then face off, as will the losing teams, with a potential final matchup between Bulgaria, and Indonesia.
Ahead of the tournament, Dimitrov is navigating squad challenges, having named a 27-man roster while also dealing with the absence of several key players. Bulgarian media outlet Flash News reported that at least seven established players are unavailable for selection. However, the coach has also provided opportunities for three players to earn their first international caps: Lokomotiv Sofia goalkeeper Martin Velichkov, Cherno More midfielder Berk Beyhan, and Kisvarda (Hungary) striker Tonislav Yordanov.
The call-ups, specifically those of Iliya Gruev of Leeds United and Lukas Petkov of Elversberg, appear to be the source of the friction. According to Bulgarian publication Trud, both clubs are “not happy” with the situation. Gruev, a key defensive midfielder for Leeds, has featured in 23 matches across all competitions this season. Petkov is also a significant player for Elversberg.
Trud reported that Leeds United and Elversberg “do not like Indonesia,” citing their displeasure with Dimitrov’s decision to include Gruev and Petkov in the national team squad. The report further stated that there is “no 100% guarantee” that either player will ultimately travel with the Bulgarian team to Jakarta.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by clubs when balancing international commitments with domestic league schedules. While national team call-ups are a standard part of the football calendar, clubs are understandably concerned about losing key players, particularly during crucial periods of the season. The lack of a “100% guarantee” regarding the players’ participation suggests a potential negotiation or ongoing discussion between the Bulgarian Football Union and the respective clubs.
Aleksandar Dimitrov has a history with Indonesian football, having previously played for clubs like Petrokimia Putra, Persija Jakarta, and Persipura Jayapura as a midfielder in the early 2000s. He also served as an assistant coach for the Indonesian national team during the 2007 AFC Asian Cup and with Persipura Jayapura. This familiarity with the country may add another layer of interest to Bulgaria’s participation in the FIFA Series 2026.
Interestingly, Dimitrov still possesses some proficiency in the Indonesian language, as revealed in a recent exchange with Bola.com. When contacted via Instagram, he responded to an English message with a greeting in Indonesian: “Selamat malam, sampai jumpa di Jakarta. Saya masih ingat Bahasa Indonesia,” which translates to “Excellent evening, see you in Jakarta. I still remember Indonesian.”
The upcoming FIFA Series in Indonesia presents a unique opportunity for both Bulgaria and Indonesia. For Bulgaria, it’s a chance to test their squad and prepare for future competitions, while also allowing Dimitrov to revisit a country where he has fond memories. For Indonesia, it marks the beginning of a new era under John Herdman and a chance to showcase their footballing ambitions on home soil. The tournament is scheduled to accept place at the Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta from March 27-30, 2026.
The potential for a final match-up between Bulgaria and Indonesia adds an extra layer of intrigue to the tournament, given Dimitrov’s past connection to Indonesian football. However, the current situation with Leeds United and Elversberg serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in international player releases and the delicate balance between club and country commitments.
Fans can expect further updates on the Bulgarian squad and the participation of Gruev and Petkov as the tournament draws closer. The Bulgarian Football Union and the respective clubs are likely to continue discussions to reach a mutually agreeable solution. The focus will then shift to the on-field action as both Bulgaria and Indonesia aim to make a strong impression in the FIFA Series 2026.
The next confirmed action for both teams will be their respective matches on March 27, 2026, with Bulgaria facing the Solomon Islands and Indonesia taking on Saint Kitts and Nevis. Official team lineups and further details will be released closer to the match dates.
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