Shin Tae-yong Joins Newly Formed Indonesia Football 7 Federation as Advisor

Indonesian football is expanding its horizons with the official launch of the Indonesia Football 7 Federation, a fresh governing body dedicated to the seven-a-side variation of the sport. In a move that signals high ambitions for the national program, the federation has appointed Shin Tae-yong as an advisor to spearhead the technical evolution of the squad.

The organization was formally declared on Thursday, April 30, 2026, during a ceremony held at Menara Imperium in Jakarta. This launch marks Indonesia’s official entry into the International Football 7 Federation, positioning the country to compete on the global stage in a format known for its high intensity and dynamic pace.

A Strategic Return for Shin Tae-yong

The appointment of Shin Tae-yong as an advisor is the cornerstone of the federation’s immediate strategy. Given his extensive experience in international football, the federation expects his guidance to significantly accelerate the technical development of the national team.

While the role is advisory, the impact is expected to be felt across the squad’s preparation. The focus will be on refining the tactical approach required for the seven-a-side game, which differs from the traditional 11-a-side format by demanding quicker transitions and higher precision in tighter spaces.

Targeting the 2026 Intercontinental Cup

The Indonesia Football 7 Federation is not merely focused on domestic growth; it has set its sights on a major international milestone. The national team is preparing to participate in the Intercontinental Cup 2026, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the discipline.

The championship is scheduled to take place in Rome, Italy, from July 30 to August 3, 2026. By joining the International Football 7 Federation, Indonesia now has a legitimate pathway to compete against the world’s elite in the Italian capital.

For global readers, Rome’s mid-summer climate often presents significant challenges for athletes, making the technical and physical preparation led by the new advisory and coaching staff critical for a successful campaign.

Leadership and Coaching Structure

The federation is led by General Chairperson Dudung Abdurachman, who expressed strong optimism regarding the potential of Indonesian athletes. Abdurachman believes that Indonesia’s large population provides a fertile ground for discovering the elite talent necessary to compete at the world level.

To manage the day-to-day operations of the national squad, the federation has appointed Socrates Matulessy as the head coach. Matulessy, a former futsal player, brings a specialized understanding of small-sided games, which is essential for the unique demands of Football 7.

The synergy between Matulessy’s small-sided expertise and Shin Tae-yong’s broad strategic vision is intended to create a “solid team structure” capable of challenging established international powers.

Understanding Football 7

For those unfamiliar with the format, Football 7 is a variation of the game played with seven players per side. It is increasingly popular worldwide as it is viewed as more competitive and dynamic than the traditional game, offering more touches of the ball and faster-paced action.

This format bridges the gap between the tactical rigidity of 11-a-side football and the rapid-fire nature of futsal, making it an ideal platform for players with high technical proficiency and agility.

The road to Rome begins now, with the federation focusing on talent identification and technical drills to ensure the squad is ready by late July. The next major milestone will be the finalization of the national roster and the commencement of intensive training camps leading up to the Intercontinental Cup.

Do you consider the seven-a-side format is the right way to showcase Indonesian talent on the world stage? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.