Erick Thohir Strengthens Grip on Oxford United Amidst PSSI and National Team Challenges
PSSI Chairman, Erick Thohir, has quietly amplified his influence over English League club, Oxford United. This strategic move unfolds as the prominent Indonesian figure navigates a myriad of pressing issues concerning the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) and the national team.
The club, affectionately known as ‘The U’s’, was initially acquired jointly by Erick Thohir and Anindya Bakrie in 2022, holding a combined 51 percent stake. However, the dynamics of ownership shifted significantly when Anindya Bakrie was reportedly delisted from the club’s board of senior officials in April 2025. Since then, Erick Thohir has stood as the sole Indonesian representative in the ownership structure of the yellow-clad club.
The latest development came on Friday, November 14, 2025, when Oxford United officially announced a pivotal change in the club’s ownership involving the Indonesian conglomerate. “Oxford United confirms Erick Thohir has increased his controlling interest in the club,” stated the official release. This enhancement of control followed “the acquisition of all shares in Oxford Investment Holdings Pte Ltd, previously held by Oxford United Investors Pte Ltd.” This effectively means Erick Thohir has consolidated complete ownership through this entity.
Consequent to this significant acquisition by Thohir, a long-serving official, Horst Geicke, who had been with the club since 2018, tendered his resignation. “Following this acquisition, Horst Geicke stepped down from his position as Director of Oxford United FC Ltd,” the club’s statement confirmed. Speculation now abounds that this key position may soon be filled by one of Erick Thohir’s trusted confidants, further cementing his control.
Oxford’s announcement has, however, sparked considerable surprise, given the intensive commitments Erick Thohir has in Indonesia. Just last month, he embraced a demanding new role as Indonesia’s Minister of Youth and Sports. In this capacity, the 55-year-old is heavily immersed in orchestrating Indonesia’s preparations for the upcoming SEA Games 2025, set to take place in Thailand next month.
Beyond his ministerial duties, Thohir continues to grapple with a challenging period in his other prominent role as Chairman of PSSI. The Indonesian national team currently finds itself without a head coach, a vacuum created after Patrick Kluivert’s dismissal following a disappointing campaign in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. This critical leadership void led to the November international window passing without any competitive matches for the national squad. While PSSI is reportedly actively searching for a new coach, the timeline for an official appointment remains uncertain.
Seven years after divesting his ownership from Italian giants Inter Milan, Erick Thohir’s latest move clearly signals his renewed ambition to own a European football club, this time making a substantial mark in the highly competitive English League. This strategic consolidation of power at Oxford United, set against the backdrop of his immense responsibilities and challenges in Indonesian sports, paints a compelling picture of a leader deeply entrenched in global football while simultaneously steering national athletic aspirations.
Summary
Erick Thohir has significantly amplified his influence over English League club Oxford United, acquiring complete ownership. Initially, he jointly held a 51 percent stake with Anindya Bakrie since 2022, but Thohir became the sole Indonesian representative after Bakrie was reportedly delisted in April 2025. On November 14, 2025, Oxford United confirmed Thohir’s increased controlling interest by acquiring all shares in Oxford Investment Holdings Pte Ltd, solidifying his full ownership. This acquisition led to the resignation of long-serving official Horst Geicke.
This strategic move occurs amidst Erick Thohir’s demanding responsibilities in Indonesia, including his recent appointment as Minister of Youth and Sports, overseeing SEA Games 2025 preparations. He also continues to serve as PSSI Chairman, currently navigating the search for a new national team head coach following a disappointing campaign. This consolidation of power signals Thohir’s renewed ambition in European football, seven years after selling his stake in Inter Milan, demonstrating his deep engagement in both international and national sports.
