DomainJava .COM – Patrick Kluivert’s name emerged as the main candidate for coach of the Indonesian National Team after the dismissal of Shin Tae-yong by PSSI on January 6 2025.
Although this decision has not been officially announced, it has sparked various reactions, both support and rejection. Kluivert’s track record, which has been marred by a number of controversies, including allegations of involvement in gambling cases and sexual harassment, has become a major concern.
Kluivert, known as a Dutch football legend, has played for big clubs such as Ajax Amsterdam and Barcelona.
However, despite his brilliant football career, he was often involved in problems off the field.
READ ALSO: Patrick Kluivert Becomes Coach of the Indonesian National Team, Just Waiting for the Inauguration
Here are four major controversies that have tarnished his career:
1. Alleged Involvement in Sexual Harassment
In 1997, Kluivert was said to be involved in a sexual harassment case. A woman reported that she had been harassed by four men, one of whom was a famous football player.
However, no charges were laid and the case was dismissed.
2. Deadly Accident
When he was 19 years old, Kluivert was involved in a car accident that claimed the life of the driver.
He drove the car at high speed and crashed into another vehicle. Kluivert was sentenced to social work for this incident.
3. Gambling Scandal
In 2017, Kluivert, as director of football at Paris Saint-Germain, was reportedly involved in a gambling debt of 1 million Euros to a criminal gang.
He was suspected of being involved in betting on match results while he was a coach at FC Twente. Even though he claims to have paid off some of his debts, this case damaged his reputation.
4. Controversial Lifestyle
Kluivert is known to have a lifestyle that often attracts criticism, especially while playing at Barcelona.
He was often late for training and matches because of alcohol, which made coach Louis van Gaal call him unprofessional.
These controversies were taken into consideration by PSSI in choosing a new coach.
Will PSSI still choose Kluivert, or will they choose another, cleaner candidate? Everything will be answered in the official announcement scheduled for January 12 2025.
