The Naturalization Process Is Still Unclear, These 3 Players Are Threatened Not to Play at the 2023 U-20 Asian Cup

Prospective naturalized players for the Indonesian national team, Ivar Jenner and Justin Hubner. (Photo: Doc. PSSI)

JAKARTA - Justin Hubner, Ivar Jenner, and Rafael Struick are still not certain to appear at the 2023 U-20 Asian Cup. This is because the naturalization process for the three players has not yet been clear.

This situation was revealed by the Technical Director of Indonesian Football Associatioin (PSSI), Indra Sjafri. "I can't answer that (the opportunity for naturalized players to appear in the 2023 U-20 Asian Cup)," said PSSI Technical Director, Indra Sjafri, when met at the Kemenpora Office, Senayan, Central Jakarta, Monday, January 30.

"Later, if you say you can, it turns out you can't. Later you will be asked who is the reason you can't," continued the former Bali United coach.

So far, the process of naturalization of the three players is still being pursued and this is guaranteed by Indra Sjafri. However, regarding the development of the legality process, the man from West Sumatra is careful and admits that he cannot disclose how far this has gone.

"It's in the process. I can't say where it is now (the progress of the naturalization process)," said the former coach of the Indonesian U-19 national team.

"However, we pray this is faster than usual," he concluded.

However, Indra Sjafri stressed that the three of them would be able to defend the Indonesian U-20 national team at the 2023 U-20 World Cup. As is well known, the agenda will take place in Indonesia and roll on May 20-June 11 2023.

Ahead of the 2023 U-20 Asian Cup which will take place in Uzbekistan in March, the Indonesian National Team continues to make careful preparations. Shin Tae-yong's team is closest to holding a training camp (TC) on 1-28 February 2022.

There were 30 players who were summoned to participate in Uzbekistan, but from that list there were no names from Justin Hubner, Ivar Jenner, and Rafael Struick.