Indonesian Football Federation suspends plan to naturalize players

" In a recent conversation with Mr. Shin Tae-yong, I discussed the plan to add more naturalized players. For the time being, we have not added any more players, PSSI is focusing on naturalizing the remaining players. This process is being accelerated a lot thanks to the support of the relevant parties ," Repbulika Indonesia quoted PSSI chairman Erick Thohir.

Recently, PSSI has stepped up its plan to naturalize more players to strengthen the Indonesian team. Players such as Ivar Jenner, Rafael Struick, Justin Hubner, and Jay Idzes are making great contributions to the Indonesian team at the 2023 Asian Cup. They helped the Indonesian team win an important victory over the Vietnamese team and enter the round of 16.

The Indonesian team has many naturalized players.

Most recently, Nathan Tjoe-A-On has just completed the process of naturalizing as an Indonesian citizen. Meanwhile, Thom Haye and Ragnar Oratmangoen are present in Indonesia but cannot take the oath of office due to incomplete paperwork.

Thom Haye and Ragnar Oratmangoen have returned to the Netherlands to prepare for the 26th round of the Dutch national championship this weekend. These two players are expected to significantly strengthen the Indonesian team. They are regular players and are important factors in the squad of their home team. They will return to Indonesia to take the oath of office in March. The duo may even play in the match at My Dinh Stadium on March 26.

Thus, under President Erick Thohir, Indonesia is expected to successfully naturalize at least 7 players. Together with the 4 players previously naturalized when former President Mochamad Iriawan was still in office, Indonesia can call up 8-11 players with foreign blood.

Although PSSI wants to quickly upgrade the strength of the Indonesian team, they understand that they cannot naturalize too many people. This helps domestic players have the opportunity to compete and develop in the future. This is the sustainable direction for Indonesian football instead of following the path of Singapore and the Philippines.

Mai Phuong

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/ldbd-indonesia-tam-dung-ke-hoach-nhap-tich-cau-thu-ar859145.html