Naturalization Is Still The Main Choice, Where Is The Role Of The Directorate Of Technology And Exco PSSI?

Indra Sjafri, PSSI Technical Director (doc. PSSI).

JAKARTA - The naturalization polemic is endless. Various questions arise from naturalization programs that lead to reducing or motivating local talents?

Previously, questions arose where the role of coaching and local competitions emerged. Then, questions arise regarding key performance indicators (KPI) and targets for naturalized players that have not existed so far.

As it turned out, the naturalization polemic did not stop there. Another question arose regarding the role of the Technical Director (Dirtek) and PSSI Executive Committee (Exco) members considering that naturalization was even more intense. Meanwhile, the improvement of coaching and competition sank.

This was revealed by football observer Tommy Welly during the Discussion of Drinking some time ago.

Towel, Tommy Welly's nickname, is not very concerned about naturalization or citizenship because it is everyone's right. There are many entrances to becoming Indonesian citizens according to statutory regulations.

However, the massive naturalization must be accompanied by good coaching plus improvement of local competitions.

The PSSI Directorate of Technology should have an important role in coaching, but until now there has been no echo.

According to Towel, Indra Sjafri as the Director of Technology of PSSI did not work optimally to prepare for the future of Indonesian football. Indonesian U-20 coaches even take care of the problems of the national team.

"The one above (the football pyramid) is the national team. So, the national team has never been a factor in itself. In fact, the national team is part of this process (construction)," said Towel.

"Dirtek yang saat ini jarangka berbicara tentang pembinaan pemain muda. Naturalisasi hanya satu bagian atau faktor dari tim nasional. Dengan kondisi sekarang, beberapa yang dinaturalisasi?" ucapnya.

"If the communication from the federation talks about naturalization, the others are not discussed, for example development. Dirtek is busy being thin, but we don't know about the work as Director of Research and Technology."

"So in the end, the public suspects that naturalization may be used as a diversion of issues from competitions whose clubs are still in arrears of salaries or riots by referees," said Tommy.

Furthermore, Tommy emphasized that making naturalization a beacon, but forgetting the foundation (development) will not be anything.

Meanwhile, he is also targeting the Exco PSSI which should play a role in controlling naturalization decisions. Exco PSSI's performance in making decisions regarding naturalization approval is also a question mark.

In fact, Exco PSSI also has a role in encouraging better coaching and competition while filtering out the naturalization process.

"PSSI can naturalize 15 to 18 players at once. Exco PSSI can decide on 11 naturalized player starters. However, at the same time questions will come where will our competition position be?"

"The one with the authority is Exco PSSI. In its execution, this authority was carried out by the national team body (BTN). BTN has its function as a technical team for the national team? I don't think so."

"How many decisions should be naturalized by BTN and then submitted to Exco PSSI," said Tommy Welly.

In fact, the daily naturalization polemic is unclear who should be responsible. You see, the federation often raises a narrative that naturalization is the need for coach Shin Tae-yong.

Several discourses even mention Shin Tae-yong himself who asks and chooses players to be naturalized. In other words, the coach is put forward to become a "battal".

It was clearly like throwing stones and hiding hands. The Federation understands that Shin Tae-yong is becoming a favorite of the public. So, every decision always gives birth to support from Indonesian football lovers.

The scheme seems to have begun to be read by Indonesian football lovers, especially the Indonesian Football Supporter National Presidium (PNSSI).

"ASY in the supporters' room has its plus-minus. Especially this controversy (naturalization). Is it indeed his own policy related to several names that are encouraged for naturalization or there are other parties that encourage it."

"That's what is not yet known. So far, the decision has been made at the Exco PSSI. So, what was the result of the Exco PSSI meeting which was then 'driven' to STY or did he have his own team?"

"So, don't let STY ask, these names are not good, for example the game is not good enough, the attitude is on and off the field. This is a bad precedent for naturalization."

"Look, the PSSI Directorate of Technology has an important role to play in encouraging STY. What is recommended is to be naturalized there (Dirtek). Therefore, do not let the decision only be in STY," said Richard Achamad, Secretary General of PNSSI.

Many pros and cons are present in the naturalization project. VOI will discuss from various sides related to this naturalization polemic.