PSSI Focuses On Jordy Whermann's Naturalization, But Still Waiting For Emil Audero Mulyadi

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) is now starting to focus on naturalizing the midfielder for Swiss club FC Luzern, Jordy Whermann. However, the door for Sampdoria goalkeeper, Emil Audero Mulyadi.

This was conveyed by PSSI Executive Committee (Exco) member Hasani Abdulgani. According to him, Jordy has given the green light for this naturalization process, but the player is still waiting for the manager.

"We are now focusing on Jordy, but we are still open to Emil," Hasani told Antara.

"Jordy asked his manager to deal with this problem (naturalization-ed). However, the manager was on vacation and only returned on March 20. We also told Jordy to immediately talk to his manager again. So, until now, he has not been able to provide confirmation, same like Emil," he continued.

Regarding Emil Audero, Hasani said the 25-year-old goalkeeper had not yet given an answer to accept or reject PSSI's offer to defend the Indonesian national team. However, PSSI gave himself time because Emil is a player of Indonesian blood with the best profile at the moment.

"For a player as big as Emil, we will still accept it. Although it may be a bit late, but we are waiting. If Emil strengthens the national team in the Asian Cup Qualifiers and we can qualify for the finals and then be ranked in the top 10 of Asia, it can 'fish' for descendants Other Indonesians such as Jairo (Riedewald, Crystal Palace player) and Pascal (Struijk, Leeds United player) to be naturalized," said Hasani.

Meanwhile, Hasani admitted that he was assigned the task of PSSI to monitor players of Indonesian descent who are projected to play in the U-20 World Cup in 2023.

"I will go to the Netherlands, see the targeted players for the U-20 World Cup. He may depart in early April 2022 because the visa has not been issued," said Hasani.

However, the man from Aceh was reluctant to give more details regarding the U-20 footballers he would meet in the Netherlands. He also did not want to share general information such as how many players are on PSSI's radar or what nationality they are currently.

"Nothing has been revealed yet," he said.

Hasani confirmed that the name of the player was a direct request from the coach of the Indonesian national team, Shin Tae-yong.

In addition to the Netherlands, Hasani will continue his trip to Belgium to meet two players who will be naturalized as Indonesian citizens, namely Jordi Amat and Sandy Walsh. Hasani wants to meet with them so that he doesn't change his mind about naturalization.

"Don't let us look for what doesn't exist, while what is available is loose," Hasani said.