Top Football Updates: I-League Licensing Results, Super League Penalties & Indonesian Clubs at Risk of Point Deductions

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The Indonesian Super League (ISL) has confirmed that 12 clubs will face point deductions in the upcoming season after failing to meet the league’s Club Licensing requirements for 2025/26. The decision, announced by the league’s governing body, marks the first major financial intervention in ISL history, with implications for both on-field competition and club stability.

According to detiksport, the affected clubs—including PSBS Biak, Persipura Jayapura, PSMS Medan, and PSPS Pekanbaru—will have their points reduced by a total of 12 across the league table, though the exact distribution of deductions has not yet been disclosed. The move follows a rigorous Club Licensing Cycle 2025/26 evaluation, where clubs were assessed on financial health, infrastructure, and compliance with league regulations.

PSBS Biak’s Failure to Meet Licensing Standards

The most high-profile casualty of the licensing process is PSBS Biak, which has been explicitly named in multiple reports as failing to secure the necessary certification. According to Babel Insight and Kompas.com, the club’s inability to fulfill licensing requirements stems from persistent financial struggles, including delayed player salaries and infrastructure deficiencies. The league’s decision to penalize PSBS Biak with point deductions—rather than outright expulsion—reflects a balance between competitive fairness and the need to preserve the club’s existence.

League officials have emphasized that the deductions are not punitive but rather a mechanism to enforce compliance. ASEP Saputra, the ISL’s licensing committee chairman, stated in a statement carried by I-League’s official announcement (cited in Indonesian media), that “the league’s primary goal remains the sustainability of Indonesian football, and these measures are designed to protect the integrity of the competition while giving clubs a path to compliance.”

Broader Implications for the Super League

The 12-point deductions will reshape the 2026/27 ISL standings, with affected clubs starting the season at a competitive disadvantage. While the exact distribution of penalties remains undisclosed, reports suggest that clubs like Deltras FC, Persipura Jayapura, and Garudayaksa FC are among those facing reductions. The move underscores growing concerns about financial mismanagement in Indonesian football, where delayed salaries and infrastructure gaps have become recurring issues.

In contrast, the majority of ISL clubs—including PS S Sleman, FC Bekasi City, and Persema Malang—have successfully passed the licensing review, ensuring they can participate in the upcoming season without restrictions. The league’s decision to grant full licenses to 18 of the 30 participating clubs highlights a tiered approach, where compliance is rewarded while non-compliant teams face consequences.

What Comes Next?

For the affected clubs, the next steps involve addressing the root causes of their licensing failures. This includes securing financial backing, improving stadium facilities, and ensuring compliance with league regulations. The ISL has stated that clubs will have until June 30, 2026 to submit corrective action plans, with further penalties possible if issues persist.

Meanwhile, the league’s governing body is expected to announce the full list of point deductions and their distribution in the coming days. Fans and pundits are closely watching how these penalties will impact the 2026/27 season, particularly for clubs already struggling with financial instability.

The ISL’s licensing crackdown aligns with broader trends in global football, where governing bodies like FIFA and UEFA have tightened financial fair play regulations. In Africa, the CAF has also introduced stricter coaching license requirements, as noted in recent reports. However, Indonesia’s approach—focusing on club licensing rather than coaching qualifications—reflects a unique emphasis on financial governance.

As the 2026/27 season approaches, the ISL’s point deductions serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Indonesian football. For clubs like PSBS Biak, the coming months will be critical in determining whether they can recover and remain competitive—or risk further marginalization in the league.