The reason for Persija Jakarta’s cancellation of the friendly match against Atletico Madrid is their participation in the 2024 President’s Cup. Initially, there were rumors that Persija would face Atletico Madrid on Saturday (August 3) at Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) as part of their preparations for the upcoming season. Persija qualified for the semifinal stage of the 2024 President’s Cup and was set to play against Persis Solo for third place on the same day at Stadion Manahan, Solo. “It was impossible because we were in the third-place match of the 2024 President’s Cup, right?” said Persija’s Director, Mohamad Prapanca, to reporters. He explained that Atletico Madrid could only come on that specific date, which conflicted with Persija’s schedule. “We were prepared to host them, but we had to follow the regulations of our federation,” Prapanca said. Prapanca is unsure if Atletico Madrid will still visit Indonesia after the friendly was canceled. He mentioned that Persija initially planned to test their strength against the Spanish giants. “I’m not sure. You should inquire with the promoter about Atletico Madrid’s visit. Regarding the planning, yes, the plan was made,” Prapanca added. “However, the promoter also needed to get recommendations from our federation and PT LIB to see if it could be arranged during the 2024 President’s Cup,” he concluded.
Bhayangkara FC is deeply disappointed with their performance in the 2023/2024 season, which saw them relegated from BRI Liga 1. As a result, The Guardians will compete in Liga 2 for the upcoming season. However, Bhayangkara FC is determined not to remain in the second tier of Indonesian football for long. The club is focused on a swift return to BRI Liga 1. To achieve this, they have been preparing seriously and have been in intense training since early June 2024. The squad for Liga 2 has been strengthened with the addition of players such as Ilija Spasojevic from Bali United and Andy Setyo from Persikabo 1973, both of whom have represented the Indonesian national team.
In addition, Bhayangkara FC has re-signed experienced senior player Ruben Sanadi, who has a proven track record of helping PSBS Biak secure promotion to Liga 1. The team has also retained several key players including Matias Mier, Junior Brandao, Dendy Sulistyawan, Putu Gede, Muhammad Hargianto, and Awan Setho. Matias Mier will continue to be the core of Bhayangkara FC’s midfield. The Uruguayan midfielder scored 23 goals and provided 14 assists in 46 Liga 1 appearances. Junior Brandao, who was a top scorer contender last season, contributed 16 goals and four assists in 30 matches after joining from Madura United in mid-2023/24. For the upcoming Liga 2 season, Bhayangkara FC will not have Radja Nainggolan, as his contract was not renewed. With these changes, Bhayangkara FC is well-positioned to secure a return to Liga 1, awaiting the tactical approach of coach Gomes de Oliveira, known for his extensive experience in Indonesian football.
Changes to foreign player regulations are also notable. For the 2024/2025 season, each club is allowed to contract up to eight foreign players. There is no restriction on the countries of origin for these players. However, there are regulations regarding the competitive tier of the clubs where the players are from. From the eight foreign players, only six can be on the field at the same time. This is a change from the 2023/2024 season, where clubs could contract six foreign players with five being unrestricted and one from ASEAN.
In terms of regulations for youth players, BRI Liga 1 2024/2025 will implement new rules. Each club is required to field at least one player under 22 years old (U-22) for a minimum of 45 minutes per game. Clubs are exempt from this requirement if two or more of their players are called up to the Indonesian National Team. In contrast, the 2023/2024 season had a requirement to play U-23 players, but this regulation was abolished towards the end of the season.
Persebaya Surabaya’s journey in the BRI Liga 1 2024/2025 will kick off with a match against PSS Sleman on August 11, 2024, at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium. In the previous season, Persebaya finished 12th and had several coaching changes throughout the year. This season, the team is better prepared with coach Paul Munster and promising recruits like Francisco Rivera, Malik Risaldi, and Flavio Silva. Additionally, Persebaya is anticipated to develop young talents, with Alfan Suaib expected to shine. Here’s the complete schedule for Persebaya Surabaya in BRI Liga 1 2024/2025 for you, Bolaneters!
– August 11, 2024: Persebaya Surabaya vs PSS Sleman at 19:00 WIB
– August 16, 2024: Malut United vs Persebaya Surabaya at 15:30 WIB
– August 23, 2024: Persebaya Surabaya vs Barito Putera at 19:00 WIB
– September 14, 2024: Persita Tangerang vs Persebaya Surabaya at 19:00 WIB
– September 18, 2024: Persebaya Surabaya vs Persis Solo at 19:00 WIB
– September 22, 2024: PSBS Biak vs Persebaya Surabaya at 19:00 WIB
– September 27, 2024: Persebaya Surabaya vs Dewa United at 19:00 WIB
– October 18, 2024: Persib Bandung vs Persebaya Surabaya at 15:30 WIB
– October 23, 2024: Persebaya Surabaya vs PSM Makassar at 19:00 WIB
– November 2, 2024: PSIS Semarang vs Persebaya Surabaya at 15:30 WIB
– November 22, 2024: Persebaya Surabaya vs Persija Jakarta at 15:30 WIB
– December 2, 2024: Madura United vs Persebaya Surabaya at 19:00 WIB
– December 7, 2024: Persebaya Surabaya vs Arema FC at 15:30 WIB
– December 11, 2024: Persebaya Surabaya vs Persik Kediri at 15:30 WIB
– December 15, 2024: Semen Padang vs Persebaya Surabaya at 15:30 WIB
– December 20, 2024: Persebaya Surabaya vs Borneo FC at 19:00 WIB
– December 28, 2024: Bali United vs Persebaya Surabaya at 19:00 WIB
– January 11, 2025: PSS Sleman vs Persebaya Surabaya at 15:30 WIB
– January 17, 2025: Persebaya Surabaya vs Malut United at 15:30 WIB
– January 25, 2025: Barito Putera vs Persebaya Surabaya at 15:30 WIB
– January 31, 2025: Persebaya Surabaya vs Persita Tangerang at 19:00 WIB
– February 7, 2025: Persis Solo vs Persebaya Surabaya at 19:00 WIB
– February 15, 2025: Persebaya Surabaya vs psbs biak (www.bola.net) at 19:00 WIB
– February 21, 2025: Dewa United vs Persebaya Surabaya at 19:00 WIB
– March 1, 2025: Persebaya Surabaya vs Persib Bandung at 20:30 WIB
– March 7, 2025: PSM Makassar vs Persebaya Surabaya at 20:30 WIB
– March 12, 2025: Persebaya Surabaya vs PSIS Semarang at 20:30 WIB
– March 12, 2025: Persija Jakarta vs Persebaya Surabaya at 19:00 WIB
– March 20, 2025: Persebaya Surabaya vs Madura United at 19:00 WIB
– March 28, 2025: Arema FC vs Persebaya Surabaya at 15:30 WIB
– May 5, 2025: Persik Kediri vs Persebaya Surabaya at 15:30 WIB
– May 11, 2025: Persebaya Surabaya vs Semen Padang at 19:00 WIB
– May 18, 2025: Borneo FC vs Persebaya Surabaya at 19:00 WIB
– May 25, 2025: Persebaya Surabaya vs Bali United at Kick-off time to be determined
