Tuesday, 17 December 2024 – 07:43 WIB
Indonesian national team players (from left) Ivar Jenner, Justin Hubner and Rafael Struick. Photo: theafc
jpnn.com – JAKARTA – PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir said he did not want to force Ivar Jenner and Justin Hubner to join the Indonesian National Team which is currently fighting in the 2024 AFF Cup.
“From the start, I did not force all players to join,” said Erick Thohir when met by media crew after the 2024 PSSI Partner Summit at the Park Hyatt Hotel, Jakarta, Monday (16/12).
Ivar and Justin cannot play for the Indonesian national team because the 2024 ASEAN Cup or 2024 AFF Cup is not included in the FIFA calendar so the two players do not have the blessing of their clubs, Jong Utrecht and Wolverhampton Wanderers U-21.
However, Erick Thohir is not concerned about this situation because he sees this Southeast Asian level tournament as a place to mature young Indonesian players who compete domestically.
Of the 24 names brought by Shin Tae-yong, the majority of players play domestically and only five players have careers abroad.
The five names are Pratama Arhan (Suwon FC), Asnawi Mangkualam (Port FC), Marselino Ferdinan (Oxford United), Ronaldo Kwateh (Muangthong United), and Rafael Struick (Brisbane Roar).
“In fact, this is our priority to improve the players in the Indonesian League,” said the 54 year old man.
Furthermore, Erick Thohir emphasized that his party is very open if there are players abroad who want to join.
The following is Erick Thohir’s explanation regarding Ivar Jenner and Justin Hubner when the Indonesian national team was fighting in the 2024 AFF Cup.
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