Erick Thohir is Confident of Finding a Solution to the Polemic of Indonesian U-23 National Team Players

Liputan6.com, Jakarta – PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir is confident that he will find a solution regarding the release of players for the Indonesian National Team in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup.

“I'm sure there is a way, that everything will be fine. If everyone wants to give in, everyone wants to prioritize, whether Red and White or a group, we will definitely talk later,” said Erick in Jakarta, Tuesday (20/12/2024).

“Of course, when there are clubs that support the national team, we will discuss the flexibility of the league, because it is impossible to have a big league without a national team. Today the national team is getting a lot of attention, when the national team gets recognition, the league will definitely go up in class,” he continued, as reported by Antara.

The 2024 U-23 Asian Cup which will take place in Qatar from April 15 to May 3 is not included in the FIFA calendar. This means that the club has no obligation to release players for the Indonesian U-23 national team.

However, Erick hopes for the club's understanding in referring to Suwon FC. The South Korean club has a big chance of releasing Pratama Arhan if the player is called up.

“Yes, if Suwon FC as a club that is not from Indonesia only supports the national team, let alone an Indonesian club, there will definitely be a way out,” said the figure who is also the Minister of BUMN.

The Indonesian national team is in Group A of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup, along with Qatar, Australia and Jordan. Coach Shin Tae-yong is targeting his team to qualify from the group phase or break into the top eight.