Why Persebaya Surabaya and Malut United Miss Out on ASEAN Club Championship 2025-26
The Indonesian football league operator, PT Liga Indonesia Baru (LIB), has clarified the reasons behind Persebaya Surabaya and Malut United FC’s absence from the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup for the 2025-26 season. The issue arose from a mismatch between the regional AFF’s regulations and Indonesia’s domestic policies managed by LIB and PSSI. Although Indonesia supports participation in the ACC as a key regional competition, differences in qualification rules caused complications this season.
Previously, Indonesia sent PSM Makassar and Borneo FC to the ACC Shopee Cup, but changes in scheduling and regulatory requirements affected this year’s approach. The top two clubs from Indonesia’s Liga 1 2024-25—Persib Bandung and Dewa United FC—have been registered for AFC competitions instead, leaving the ACC slots to the third and fourth placed teams, Malut United and Persebaya. This decision followed a long-term plan made by LIB to balance club commitments and avoid conflicts in competing tournaments.
However, the AFF mandated that only the first and second placed teams qualify for the ACC Shopee Cup, a rule conflicting with LIB’s registration of the third and fourth placed clubs. LIB maintained its registrations to uphold its agreed system with PSSI and to prevent overburdening clubs with simultaneous competitions. The league’s leadership emphasized that switching qualified clubs last minute could disrupt competition integrity and preparation, underscoring the need for consistency in planning.
Despite the current disagreement, LIB and PSSI remain supportive of the ACC Shopee Cup and hope for better alignment of regulations in the future. They have consulted relevant authorities regarding potential sanctions but await further clarity. LIB expressed openness to rejoin the ACC in the 2026-27 season if rules become more compatible, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Indonesian football’s presence in ASEAN competitions.
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