Maarten Paes Is Still Brought To Saudi Arabia Even Though He Can't Defend The Indonesian National Team

Maarten Paes was still brought to Saudi Arabia to watch the inaugural match of the Indonesian national team (Instagram/@maartenpaes).

The new goalkeeper for the Indonesian national team, Maarten Paes, has certainly not been able to play during the inaugural match of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Third Round. Even so, Paes will still join his entourage to watch the match against Saudi Arabia.

The Indonesian national team will meet Saudi Arabia in the inaugural match of Group C of the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification in the Asian Zone at King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, on September 5, 2024.

However, in that match, it was known that Paes could not play because he had not been registered into the squad.

Moreover, registration for the match has been closed as of August 5, 2024. Meanwhile, Paes has just won a lawsuit at the Sports Arbitration Court (CAS) on August 18, 2024.

Even so, Maarten is confirmed to be brought by coach Shin Tae-yong to Saudi Arabia. This was confirmed by the Chairman of the National Team Agency (BTN), Sumardji.

"Maarten was summoned to Saudi Arabia," Sumardji said in his statement quoted Friday, August 23, 2024.

"Registration against Saudi Arabia (has) closed on August 5, 2024," he said again.

Although he has not been able to play for the Indonesian national team, this opportunity will be a valuable experience for Maarten Paes.

Moreover, the FC Dallas goalkeeper will most likely play when the Indonesian national team meets Australia in SUGBK, Jakarta, on September 10, 2024.