The Narialization File Of Jairo Riedewald Is Complicated, Jalan Bela Timnas Indonesia Is Difficult

Jairo Riedewald's document for naturalization to defend the Indonesian national team is deadlocked (Instagram/@royal_antwerp_fc).

PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir explained that file matters were the cause of the difficulty of the naturalization process of Dutch midfielder Jairo Riedewald.

"Jairo, it seems that the letters cannot be perfect. Indeed, if we remember the obstacles (same as) Marteen Paes, it was also almost eight months at that time," Erick said at a press conference at the GBK Arena, Jakarta, last weekend.

"Well, Jairo happened to be very welcome. However, the documents are not yet strong. We have discussed with several lawyers, we have not found them."

"Well, we don't want to apply to FIFA to be rejected, (later at risk) FIFA doesn't believe in us anymore as if we are forcing it," he said again.

When asked in detail about the file problem that was still hampering Jairo's naturalization, Erick only said that there was still no clause that could smooth out the naturalization step.

"Not yet possible. We can't. Until today we haven't found a clause that can strengthen Jairo today. Wow, there are so many details, that's a lawyer's business," said Erick.

Jairo currently defends Belgium's highest-level league team, Royal Amtwerp. As a Dutch-blooded player, he has strengthened the Orange national team in various age groups even though he has never defended senior levels.

To anticipate Jairo's naturalization which is still constrained, PSSI transferred the shot to another midfielder, Joey Pelupessy. Apart from Joey, PSSI is also working on naturalizing goalkeeper Emil Audero and defender Dean James.

Erick then emphasized that all naturalization, both for Indonesian U-17 players, Indonesia U-20, and other age groups, must get the approval of the coaching team.

"This is our moral responsibility when the government supports, the DPR supports, the community supports. So, we are also doing our best for the Indonesian national team," said the PSSI chairman.

The Indonesian national team will still play four more matches in the Third Round of the Asian Zone 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Two matches will take place in March 2025, while the remaining two matches will be played in June 2025.