Persija Backs League Cup Introduction and U23 Rule Abolition

Persija Jakarta coach Mauricio Souza has welcomed plans to introduce a new competition in Indonesia next season. He stated that the initiative would make Indonesian football more appealing by adding a supplementary tournament alongside the league.

The Super League 2025-2026 concluded on Saturday, 23 May 2026, with Persib Bandung securing their third consecutive title. The Bandung-based club clinched the championship after drawing 0-0 with Persijap Jepara at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium (GBLA). A single point was sufficient for Bojan Hodak’s team to finish as champions with 79 points. Persib edged out Borneo FC on head-to-head record to claim the Super League title.

Meanwhile, Persija Jakarta closed the 2025-2026 season with a 3-0 victory over Semen Padang at Jakarta International Stadium (JIS). Persib remained the sole team to end the season with a trophy. However, next season is expected to see at least two teams crowned champions.

The new competition is considered a revival of the Piala Indonesia, which was last held in 2019 with PSM Makassar as winners.

Souza, 52, also praised the proposed League Cup, stating it would enrich Indonesia’s football ecosystem. He added that the new tournament would increase clubs’ chances of winning titles beyond the league alone. “Adding more competitions is sensational. I believe this will elevate Indonesian football’s reputation,” he said after the match against Semen Padang.