Polemic Releases Players To The U-23 Indonesian National Team, Persija Jakarta And PSM Makassar Gets Sprayed By Head Of BTN

The U-23 Indonesian national team's training atmosphere. (Photo: Ulfa Gusti Utami/VOI)

Head of the National Team Agency (BTN) Sumardji gave a strong reaction to a number of clubs that detained their players from joining the U-23 Indonesian national team squad.

In the inaugural training camp session for the U-23 national team in Senayan, Thursday, August 10, Sumardji was also present. He revealed that out of the 23 names of players who were called, only 17 joined.

He also explained that today's training agenda was actually delayed from the initial schedule. That's because the demand for a number of clubs that currently have a busy schedule for matches in Liga 1.

"I need to convey that it is related to today's inaugural training for the AFF U-23 in Thailand. Actually, the inaugural training will start on the 8th, but due to a request from several clubs with a tight competition schedule, (training) has been postponed to 10 today," Sumardji told reporters, Thursday, August 10.

Sumardji said the schedule for the competition had an effect on the presence of players in the national team. Of the 23 names who were called, there were still six players who were still absent from Shin Tae-yong's first training.

The six players who have not been present at the U-23 Indonesian National Team TC today are Alfeandra Dewangga, Kadek Arel, Muhammad Adi Satryo, Rizky Ridho, Dzaky Asraf, and Beckham Putra.

After training, Sumardji showed his anger regarding a number of clubs that detained players from joining the U-23 Indonesian national team.

"First, Persija Jakarta and the second PSM Makassar. What I need to convey and inform, for the national interest, is only called to strengthen the national team. That's all with the coach being detained, not released," said Sumardji.

He said the player's summons was urgently needed by the national team. However, if the coach responds by making it difficult for the players to leave for the national team, it will be a problem.

"This nation needs the energy, the thoughts of the players needed. But if the foreign coaches in this country and looking for food in this country make it difficult for people to finally judge themselves," said Sumardji.

Sumardji then threatened to report the clubs that detained the player to the PSSI General Chair, Erick Thohir. "So I will report this to the general chairman, so that there is any back action. We can't allow it," said Sumardji.

The 2023 AFF U-23 Cup is scheduled to take place from 17 to 26 August in Thailand. Indonesia is in Group B with Timor Leste and Malaysia.