PSSI's Relaxed Attitude When He Found Out That Justin Hubner Was Called To The Dutch U-20 National Team

PSSI Technical Director, Indra Sjafri. (Photo: PSSI)

JAKARTA - The defender who is in the middle of Indonesia's naturalization effort, Justin Hubner, is widely reported to have received a call to defend the Dutch U-20 national team. Related to this, PSSI is relaxed.

This was revealed by PSSI Technical Director, Indra Sjafri. According to him, as long as the player has a commitment to get closer to the national team, his party does not need to worry about Jong Oranje's summons.

"As long as he is consistent and committed (to become an Indonesian citizen) there is nothing to worry about," said Indra Sjafri at Field B Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta, quoted from Antara on Tuesday, March 7.

Previously, it was rumored that Justin Hubner was included in the Dutch U-20 national team's temporary cast list to face France in a friendly match in Marbella, Spain, March 25, 2023.

For that match, coach Martijn Reiser has called 35 names. However, for the final list of players, it will only be announced on March 17, 2023.

Although Hubner is widely reported to be part of the Dutch U-20 national team, Indra Sjafri emphasized that PSSI does not doubt Justin's desire to undergo the naturalization process.

This belief is directly proportional to the attitude of Hubner who has undergone the process of changing nationality. It is proven that he has come directly to Indonesia in October 2022 and completed filling and collecting citizen documents.

Not only that, Hubner also had time to train with the Indonesian U-20 national team in Turkey in November 2022.

"For example, if he is not present in Indonesia, maybe we are not sure about him. However, he has come to Jakarta and what has been enacted has been implemented. Just pray that everything will be finished as soon as possible," said Indra Sjafri about the seriousness of Hubner.

So far, there are three players who are said to be participating in the naturalization process for the 2023 U-20 World Cup, they are Justin Hubner, Ivar Jenner and Rafael Struick. These three names are direct requests from the coach of the U-20 national team, Shin Tae-yong.

The three players who are Dutch passports with Indonesian blood are expected to improve Indonesia's quality when competing in the 2023 U-20 World Cup.