Discuss Naturalization, Menpora: I Reject The Club's Proposal

JAKARTA - Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora), Zainudin Amali, gave a firm statement regarding the naturalization procedure for soccer players in the country. He rejected the naturalization proposal made by the club.

The Minister of Youth and Sports said that to be able to do naturalization, one must go through a submission from the federation, namely PSSI. There is a strong reason why Menpora is reluctant to accept the club's application for naturalization.

"I don't want (the naturalization application) from the club's proposal", explained the Menpora during a virtual meeting with the media, Thursday, November 18.

"If the club's proposal is naturalized, no one is responsible, because players move around. If (the applicant) my club refuses. If the players are descendants, they must be investigated", continued Zainudin giving reasons.

Furthermore, Menpora also mentioned the names of players who had already been proposed by PSSI. He said that it did not necessarily make the player naturalized immediately, but there must be evidence related to lineage.

For example, the Menpora mentioned the name of Marc Klok, who clearly had received naturalization but could not defend the Indonesian national team. That's because Klok hasn't been able to prove heredity documents.

“Don't let it be like what is already there, like (Marc) Klok. If it is a descendant, it must be clear from whose side. If it is needed PSSI we will help. The point is now we are very selective", he said.

The Minister of Youth and Sports also wants the federation to pay more attention to the potential players to be proposed. He said the age aspect should also be an important point to think about.

"Don't let his productive age pass. I don't want short-term needs. If he is a descendant, I will ask for administrative evidence that he really has Indonesian blood, so that when needed he can directly (contribute)", said the Menpora.