Maarten Paes Officially Defends The Indonesian National Team: Let's Create Beautiful Memories Together

Maarten Paes can't wait to play for the Indonesian national team (Instagram/@maartenpaes).

JAKARTA - Maarten Paes will certainly be able to defend the Indonesian national team after the administrative problem of transferring federations from the Netherlands (KNVB) to Indonesia (PSSI) is completed.

He was grateful that the problem was finally resolved. Paes can't wait to appear with the Garuda Squad on the nearest agenda.

"I am very grateful to have this efficacy and to be able to play for the Indonesian national team. I think I want to come there (Indonesia) as soon as possible, play as soon as possible for the Indonesian national team," said Paes.

The closest agenda for the Indonesian national team is the Third Round of the 2026 Asian Zone World Cup Qualification which starts on September 5, 2024.

Paes is also optimistic that his presence at the Garuda Squad can help the team a lot. In fact, he is motivated to create a sweet history for the Indonesian national team.

"I can't wait to meet you (supporters) in person. We create fond memories together," said the Dallas FC goalkeeper.

Maarten Paes actually already holds an Indonesian citizen (WNI) in April 2024. However, he could not defend the Indonesian national team because the movement of the federation was not smooth.

FIFA rejected the displacement of the 26-year-old goalkeeper federation because it was found that Paes played for the Dutch U-21 at the age of 22.

The World Football Federation refers to the FIFA Statute in which the federation's move can be made when a player plays for a country under 21 years of age.

Therefore, PSSI appealed to the Sports Arbitration Court (CAS) because Paes actually did not participate in a single match in the Netherlands U-21.