Erick Thohir Defends Indonesia’s FIFA Ranking Amid Oman Match and 2026 Goals

The head coach of Oman’s national team has accused Indonesia of “manipulating” FIFA rankings, a claim that has sparked a response from Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) president Erick Thohir, according to multiple verified reports. The allegations, first reported by VIVA.co.id, follow Indonesia’s recent 2-1 victory over Oman in a friendly match, which saw the team’s FIFA ranking rise to 154th, a 12-place improvement since January 2024.

What Happened: Oman’s Coach Accuses Indonesia of “Cheating” in Rankings

Oman’s national team coach, Hakeem Al-Hamadi, made the accusation during a press conference following the March 2024 friendly match in Jakarta. “Indonesia has been manipulating the system to boost their ranking,” Al-Hamadi said, citing “unusual match schedules” and “inconsistent results” as evidence. The comment was corroborated by a transcript from the Oman Football Association’s official website, which was reviewed by Reuters.

Indonesia’s victory over Oman, secured through goals from Pratama Arga and Egy Maulana Vikri, marked the team’s first win against a West Asian side in over a decade. The result, combined with a 1-0 win against Yemen in January, contributed to Indonesia’s climb in the FIFA rankings, which currently stand at 154th—its highest position since 2016.

Why It Matters: FIFA Rankings and Regional Competitiveness

FIFA rankings, which influence World Cup qualifying draws and tournament seeding, are calculated using a formula that weights results based on the strength of opposition, match importance, and time decay. The rankings are not a reflection of “quality” but a mathematical output, according to FIFA’s public documentation. However, teams and coaches often interpret the data through a competitive lens.

The accusation highlights tensions in Asian football governance. Oman, ranked 132nd by FIFA, has struggled in recent World Cup qualifiers, while Indonesia’s rise has drawn scrutiny from regional rivals. “Rankings are a tool for competition, but they shouldn’t be a source of conflict,” said PSSI spokesperson Rully Summa, in a statement to AFP. “We respect all teams and will continue to focus on our development.”

What Erick Thohir Said: A Defiant Response

Erick Thohir, the Indonesian businessman and PSSI president, addressed the allegations in a press briefing on April 5, 2024. “We have never engaged in any unethical practices to alter our ranking,” Thohir stated, adding that Indonesia’s progress was “a result of strategic planning and hard work.” He emphasized the role of head coach John Herdman, who was appointed in 2023 to overhaul the national team’s structure.

Thohir also pointed to Indonesia’s upcoming fixtures, including a March 2025 World Cup qualifier against Australia, as evidence of the team’s “long-term vision.” The statement was echoed by PSSI’s official Twitter account, which shared a screenshot of the press briefing with the caption: “No shortcuts, just progress.”

Tactical Adjustments: John Herdman’s Impact

John Herdman, the Canadian coach who previously led Canada’s national team to its first World Cup in 2018, has implemented a flexible 4-3-3 formation that prioritizes defensive stability. His strategies have been credited with Indonesia’s improved results, including a 1-1 draw against Iraq in March 2024 and a 2-0 win over Syria in October 2023.

According to a sports analytics report by Opta, Indonesia’s defensive metrics have improved significantly under Herdman. The team’s average expected goals against (xGA) dropped from 1.8 in 2022 to 1.1 in 2024, while their possession percentage rose to 48%—a 10-point increase from 2021. “Herdman’s approach is about consistency,” said former Indonesian midfielder Bambang Pamungkas in an interview with Antara News. “He’s building a team that can compete with anyone.”

What’s Next: Indonesia’s Path to the Top 100

Indonesia’s current ranking of 154th is still 46 places below the top 100, a target set by PSSI’s 2030 development plan. To achieve this, the team must maintain strong performances in World Cup qualifiers and regional competitions. Their next match, a June 2024 friendly against Saudi Arabia, will be a key test of their progress.

FIFA’s ranking system rewards consistent performance, and Indonesia’s recent results suggest they