Indonesian League Tightens Foreign Player Rules

Indonesia’s Liga 1 to Rebrand as ‘Super League’ with Expanded Foreign Player Rules

Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesia’s top-flight football league, currently known as Liga 1, will undergo a significant conversion next season, rebranding as the “Super League” and implementing sweeping changes to its foreign player regulations. The announcements came following a shareholders’ meeting on Monday, signaling a strategic shift aimed at bolstering the league’s competitiveness on the Asian stage.

Under the new rules, clubs will be permitted to register up to 11 foreign players – a substantial increase from previous seasons. Critically, the distinction between Asian and non-Asian players has been eliminated, opening the door to a wider pool of international talent.

While clubs can register 11 foreign players,only eight will be eligible for inclusion on the matchday roster,with a maximum of eight permitted to participate in any given game. Clubs opting to register fewer than 11 players will face no restrictions.This marks the third consecutive season of adjustments to foreign player rules. The 2022/2023 season saw the implementation of a “3+1” policy (three unrestricted foreign players plus one Asian player), followed by a “5+1” system in 2023/2024 (five unrestricted plus one ASEAN player). The 2024/2025 season briefly allowed for eight registered foreign players, with a game-day limit of six.

“We hope these new rules will become a long-term standard,” stated Liga 1 Chairman Ferry Paulus. He emphasized the decision to increase the number of foreign players was driven by a desire to elevate the league’s overall quality and improve its performance in Asian competitions, while maintaining a commitment to developing local talent.Alongside the changes to foreign player rules,the league is also increasing its focus on youth development. Clubs will now be required to register a minimum of five under-23 (U-23) players, with at least one of those players mandated to play a minimum of 45 minutes in each match. This represents a slight adjustment from the previous season’s requirement of a starting U-22 player playing at least 45 minutes. The new regulation specifies that players born in 2003 or later must meet the 45-minute playing time requirement.

How might the reduced foreign player quota in Liga 1 and Liga 2 affect the overall quality and competitiveness of the leagues?

New Regulations Impacting Liga 1 and Liga 2

Recent changes to the regulations governing foreign players in Indonesian football’s top two tiers, Liga 1 and Liga 2, are sending ripples through clubs and impacting player recruitment strategies. These adjustments,announced by the PSSI (Football Association of Indonesia) in early July 2025,aim to foster the development of local talent and enhance the overall competitiveness of Indonesian football. The core of the shift revolves around reducing the number of permitted foreign players per squad.

Key Changes to the Foreign Player Quota

The most significant alteration is the reduction of the foreign player quota. Previously, Liga 1 clubs were allowed to register up to five foreign players – three non-Asian and two Asian players. Liga 2 operated under a similar,though sometimes less strictly enforced,system. As of the 2025/2026 season, these quotas have been drastically reduced:

Liga 1: Clubs are now limited to a maximum of four foreign players, with no distinction between Asian and non-Asian slots.This means clubs must choose strategically between players from any nationality.

Liga 2: The quota has been lowered to three foreign players,also without any Asian/non-Asian differentiation.

U-23 Rule Integration: Alongside the foreign player changes, the PSSI is reinforcing its commitment to youth development.Clubs are now required to field at least five U-23 players in each matchday squad, with at least two starting the game. This rule is designed to provide more playing time and experiance for promising Indonesian youngsters.

Rationale Behind the Policy Shift: developing Local Talent

The PSSI cites several reasons for implementing these stricter regulations. The primary goal is to prioritize the growth of Indonesian football by providing more opportunities for local players. Officials believe that an over-reliance on foreign talent has, in the past, stifled the development of homegrown players and hindered the national team’s progress.

Specifically, the PSSI hopes to:

Increase Playing time for Indonesian Players: Reducing the number of foreign players automatically creates more opportunities for local talent to feature in starting lineups and gain valuable match experience.

Improve the Quality of Indonesian Football: By investing in and developing local players, the PSSI aims to raise the overall standard of play within the league.

Strengthen the National team: A stronger domestic league, populated by talented Indonesian players, is expected to translate into a more competitive national team.

Financial Sustainability: Reducing reliance on high-earning foreign players can also contribute to the financial stability of clubs, especially in Liga 2.

Impact on Clubs and Player Transfers

The new rules have already had a noticeable impact on the transfer market. Clubs are now carefully evaluating thier foreign player options, prioritizing versatility and impact. Several clubs have been forced to release foreign players to comply with the new regulations, leading to a surge in available players.

Increased Competition for Top Foreign Players: With fewer slots available, competition for high-quality foreign players has intensified, driving up wages for those in demand.

Focus on Versatility: Clubs are now seeking foreign players who can play multiple positions, maximizing their value within the reduced quota.

Liga 2 Challenges: Liga 2 clubs, frequently enough operating on tighter budgets, are facing particular challenges in attracting and retaining quality foreign players.

* Scouting Intensified: Indonesian clubs are increasing their scouting efforts to identify promising local talent, particularly U-23 players, to fill the gaps left by departing foreign players.

Case Study: Persib Bandung’s Adjustment

Persib Bandung, one of Indonesia’s most popular clubs, provides a compelling case study. Prior to the rule changes, Persib had a squad featuring several established foreign players.following the announcement,the club was forced to make challenging decisions,releasing one of their key non-Asian defenders to comply with the new quota. They subsequently invested heavily in scouting and signing promising U-23 players from across the country,demonstrating a proactive approach to adapting to the new regulations. this shift highlights the strategic adjustments clubs are making to navigate the altered landscape.

The Role of Agents and Player Depiction

Football agents operating in Indonesia are also adapting to the changing dynamics. They are now focusing on identifying and promoting Indonesian players to clubs, recognizing the increased demand for local talent. Agents representing foreign players are facing a more competitive market and are emphasizing their clients’ versatility and potential impact.Negotiations are becoming more complex, with clubs carefully scrutinizing every aspect of potential signings.

Future Outlook: Long-