Erick Thohir Consolidates Control at Oxford United Amidst PSSI and National Team Challenges
PSSI Chairman, Erick Thohir, has discreetly solidified his influence at the English League club, Oxford United, even as he navigates a multitude of pressing issues within Indonesia’s football landscape and his new governmental role. This move sees the Indonesian conglomerate increase his stake and control, drawing significant attention given his demanding commitments back home.
Known affectionately as The U’s, Oxford United was initially acquired jointly by Thohir and Anindya Bakrie in 2022, holding a 51 percent stake. However, by April 2025, reports indicated that Anindya Bakrie had been removed from the club’s list of key officials. This development positioned Thohir as the sole Indonesian representative in the ownership of the yellow-jerseyed club.
The latest significant shift occurred on Friday, November 14, 2025, when Oxford United officially announced a pivotal change in its ownership structure, further involving the influential Indonesian conglomerate. The club’s official release confirmed, “Oxford United confirms Erick Thohir has increased his controlling interest in the club,” following his acquisition of “all shares of Oxford Investment Holdings Pte Ltd which were previously held by Oxford United Investors Pte Ltd.” This strategic move effectively consolidates Thohir’s position, granting him a more dominant stake in the English football club.
Consequently, this acquisition led to the immediate resignation of a prominent executive, Horst Geicke, who had served as Director of Oxford United FC Ltd since 2018. The club’s statement confirmed his departure: “Following this acquisition, Horst Geicke has resigned from his position as Director of Oxford United FC Ltd.” Speculation suggests that Thohir’s trusted confidant is likely to fill the vacant directorial role, signaling a further alignment of the club’s leadership with his vision.
ONE Championship – Rodtang Withdraws from ONE 173, Muay Thai Flyweight Throne Still Vacant
This surprising announcement from Oxford United arrives amidst a period of intense activity for Thohir in Indonesia. Just last month, the 55-year-old assumed the demanding new role of Minister of Youth and Sports for the Republic of Indonesia. Furthermore, he is currently engrossed in overseeing the nation’s preparations for the 2025 SEA Games, set to take place in Thailand next month.
Adding to his complex portfolio, Thohir, in his capacity as PSSI Chairman, is simultaneously grappling with a critical leadership vacuum within Indonesian football. The PSSI currently finds itself without a head coach for the Indonesia national team, having controversially dismissed Patrick Kluivert following their disappointing performance in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. This crucial coaching void meant the national team bypassed the November international window without any fixtures. While the PSSI is reportedly searching for a new head coach, the timeline for an appointment remains uncertain, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Reflecting on his past ventures, this move marks Thohir’s return to European club ownership, seven years after his departure from Italian giants Inter Milan. Now, he re-enters the high-stakes world of European football, with a significant foothold in the prestigious English League.
Team Weaknesses Identified, Persis Focused on Self-Evaluation During Competition Break
Summary
Erick Thohir, Chairman of PSSI, has significantly increased his controlling interest in the English League club, Oxford United. Following his initial joint acquisition in 2022, Thohir became the sole Indonesian owner after Anindya Bakrie’s removal from key club officials by April 2025. On November 14, 2025, Oxford United confirmed Thohir acquired all shares of Oxford Investment Holdings Pte Ltd, consolidating his dominant stake and prompting the immediate resignation of Director Horst Geicke.
This strategic move marks Thohir’s return to European club ownership, seven years after his departure from Inter Milan. The consolidation of his power at Oxford United occurs amidst his demanding roles as the newly appointed Minister of Youth and Sports and PSSI Chairman, where he is also addressing critical issues such as the vacant head coach position for the Indonesian national team.