Calvin Verdok Is Confirmed To Appear With The Indonesian National Team Against The Philippines

Calvin Verdonk has been able to defend the Indonesian national team (Instagram/@c.verdonk).

JAKARTA - Calvin Verdonk has officially become an Indonesian citizen (WNI). He has taken the oath of promise every Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

The process of transitioning associations from the Dutch Football Federation (KNVB) to PSSI has also received approval from the International Football Federation (FIFA). PSSI immediately sent a letter of approval from FIFA to the Asian Football Federation (AFC) on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

As a result, his legality as an Indonesian national team player has been completed. Verdonk was able to defend the Indonesian national team in the second round of the 2026 Asian Zone World Cup Qualification.

However, from the remaining two matches of the second round of qualification, he could only play one of them, namely against the Philippines on June 11, 2024.

You see, during the registration of players for the match against Iraq (June 6, 2024), Verdonk had not completed its naturalization.

"Since yesterday, many parties in the country have helped with the Calvin Verdonk procedure to immediately strengthen the Indonesian national team. Especially, facing an important match between the Indonesian national team towards the 2026 World Cup."

"I appreciate the approval process carried out by FIFA, which directly supports our football to advance."

"Although the decision of the players who will play is in the hands of the coach, I make sure Verdonk is ready to compete against the Philippines," said Erick Thohir, PSSI General Chair, on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

Verdonk's presence not only adds to the strength behind the Indonesian national team, but also creates healthy competition between players who want to defend the Garuda Squad.

Including Verdonk, currently there are 12 players at the defense post. Starting from Jay Idzes, Jordi Amat, Rizky Ridho, Elkan Baggot, Justin Hubner, Muhammad Ferarri, Shayne Pattynama, Nathan Tjoe-A-On, Pratama Arhan, Sandy Walsh, and Asnawi Mangkualam.

"My target is that we must have 2x11 players for the Indonesian national team with equal and balanced strength."

"Although there are those who are absent or reluctant to strengthen the Indonesian national team, we have a replacement of the same quality."

"Essentially, the player who is now wearing a Garuda costume must be serious and focused on getting the opportunity to defend Indonesia."

"The Indonesian national team is only for players who have a strong and determined determination for the sake of Red and White," said the PSSI chairman again.

Calvin Verdok's naturalization is fairly flashy. The file for his citizenship application was only held at the X Commission and Commission III of the DPR RI on Monday, June 3, 2024.

The next process will take less than 24 hours so that he can take the oath on June 4, 2024.