Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesia national team captain Jay Idzes is facing a potential setback ahead of the upcoming FIFA Series 2026, following a controversial handball decision during a Serie A match. The incident has drawn commentary from Luca Marelli, a former referee in Italy’s top flight.
The Indonesian squad, preparing to host the FIFA Series in March, will welcome St Kitts and Nevis, the Solomon Islands, and Bulgaria. This tournament marks a significant moment for newly appointed head coach John Herdman, who will make his debut against St Kitts and Nevis on March 27th. Herdman initially called up 41 players for the preliminary squad, which was trimmed to 24 on Saturday, March 21st, 2026, with Idzes included in the final roster.
Idzes, a key figure under previous coaches Shin Tae-yong and Patrick Kluivert, was in action for his club, Sassuolo, on Sunday, March 22nd, 2026, against Juventus at Allianz Stadium in Turin. The match, part of the Serie A season, saw Juventus take an early lead through Kenan Yildiz in the 14th minute. Still, Sassuolo equalized in the 52nd minute with a goal from Andrea Pinamonti, a strike set up by a key pass from Idzes.
Late in the match, in the 87th minute, Idzes found himself at the center of controversy. He made contact with the ball using his arm, leading to a VAR review. The review resulted in a penalty being awarded to Juventus, with the referee determining that Idzes had made his body unnaturally bigger.
Former Serie A referee Luca Marelli explained the decision to DAZN, stating, “It was necessary to assess whether there was contact with the arm, which is why the check took so long. After confirming that Idzes touched the ball with his arm, the touch could be penalized because the arm was above shoulder height and the position of the arm was completely unnatural.”
Fortunately for Idzes and Sassuolo, Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli failed to convert the penalty, with his attempt saved by goalkeeper Arijanet Muric. Despite the handball and the missed penalty, the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
The timing of this incident is less than ideal for Herdman and the Indonesian national team. Idzes’s availability and potential impact on the pitch during the FIFA Series are now under scrutiny. While the handball itself doesn’t automatically result in a suspension for international duty, it raises questions about his form and potential fatigue heading into crucial matches.
The FIFA Series represents a valuable opportunity for Indonesia to test its squad against diverse opposition and build momentum under Herdman’s leadership. The matches against St. Kitts and Nevis, the Solomon Islands, and Bulgaria will provide a gauge of the team’s progress and identify areas for improvement as they continue their preparations for future competitions.
For fans following the Indonesian national team, the situation with Idzes serves as a reminder of the challenges players face balancing club commitments with international duty. The physical and mental demands of playing at the highest level can take a toll, and even seemingly minor incidents, like a controversial penalty decision, can have ripple effects on a player’s performance and availability.
Herdman will be hoping that the incident doesn’t significantly affect Idzes’s readiness for the FIFA Series. The coach will need all his key players in top condition as he looks to make a positive start to his tenure and build a competitive squad capable of challenging for honors. The upcoming matches will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as they seek to assess the direction of Indonesian football under modern leadership.
The Indonesian team’s schedule for the FIFA Series is as follows: March 27th against St Kitts and Nevis, followed by a match against the Solomon Islands, and concluding with a contest against Bulgaria. All matches will be held in Jakarta, providing a home advantage for the Garuda.
The focus now shifts to how Herdman will utilize his squad and whether Idzes will be able to overcome this recent setback and contribute effectively to the team’s success in the FIFA Series. The tournament promises to be an exciting showcase of Indonesian football and a crucial stepping stone in the nation’s journey towards greater achievements on the international stage.
Next up for the Indonesian national team is their match against St Kitts and Nevis on March 27th. Fans can follow the team’s progress and receive official updates through the official channels of the Football Federation of Indonesia.
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