For The Sake Of Justin Hubner Joining Indonesia U-23, Menpora Participates In Handling

JAKARTA - The Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora), Dito Ariotedjo, also intervened to seek the presence of Justin Hubner in Indonesia U-23 when facing Guinea U-23. This effort was made by the Minister of Youth and Sports by holding a meeting with the Japanese Embassy for Indonesia.

After failing to win third place in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup, Indonesia U-23 only leaves one way to get a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics, namely by undergoing a playoff against the African representative, Guinea U-23.

However, ahead of the match which will be held on May 9, 2024 in Paris, Indonesia U-23's strength will not be full. The reason is, Justin Hubner, who is a mainstay, is also not certain to appear.

After defending Indonesia U-23 in Qatar, Hubner did not join the group that immediately moved closer to Paris. He had to return to Japan to rejoin his club, Cerezo Osaka.

Along with the agenda of the Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia's hearing, the Minister of Youth and Sports then tried to ask for help with an approach to the Japanese Ambassador so that Justin Hubner could strengthen Indonesia U-23 in the playoffs.

"At that meeting (with the Japanese Embassy) I also conveyed to the Japanese Ambassador and the Japanese Minister of Sports to help us," Dito Ariotedjo said in a statement quoted on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

"We encourage football club Cerezo Osaka to return to grant permission to U-23 Indonesian national team athlete Justin Hubner to play in the 2024 Paris Olympics determination playoffs against Guinea U-23 later," said Dito.

Regarding the attempt to lobby the Japanese Embassy, the Minister of Youth and Sports said that Ambassador Masaki Yasuhi would follow up. Moreover, if you look at J-League 1, you have only undergone several matches and not yet in the final phase of the season, aka not crucial.

"The Ambassador of Masaki Yasuhi is committed to communicating to all sports stakeholders in Japan and will immediately provide news of the diplomacy," said Menpora Dito.

In addition to trying to bring back Hubner, Garuda Muda also continues to improve in order to perform optimally. Reportedly, PSSI is also trying to bring Elkan Baggott after his loan period from the Bristol Rovers FC ended.