CNN Indonesia
Monday, 06 Mar 2023 15:37 WIB
Marc Klok rejects plans to limit naturalized players in League 1 and League 2. (ANTARA FOTO/YULIUS SATRIA WIJAYA)
Jakarta, CNNIndonesia —
Midfielder Indonesian National team, Mark Clockresponds to plans PSSI who want to limit naturalized players in League 1 and League 2 clubs to just one player.
Klok, who is Shin Tae Yong’s mainstay in the Indonesian national team, sees PSSI’s plan as a form of discrimination against naturalized Indonesian players.
“We are Indonesian citizens, and all Indonesian citizens should have the same rights, but we feel that this regulation discriminates against us as naturalized citizens,” Klok said via his Instagram account.
The Persib Bandung midfielder said he made the decision to become a naturalized player because he loves Indonesia. Therefore, Klok hopes that PSSI can create friendly rules for naturalized players.
“We chose Indonesia because we love this country and are committed to being part of the football community here. We hope for a friendly league for all players, regardless of their origins and their backgrounds,” said Klok.
Previously, PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir revealed the suggestion that each Indonesian League 1 and Liga 2 club should only be strengthened by a maximum of one naturalized player.
This was disclosed by Erick at the Football Workshop in Surabaya, East Java, last weekend. However, Erick said that this was still just a plan that had not been fully agreed upon.
“PSSI takes a position, if possible, only one naturalized player. If not, when will Indonesian footballers play. This is part of organizing to find common ground and it is not finished yet,” Erick said as quoted by Antara.
Marc Klok officially became an Indonesian citizen (WNI) in November 2020. The player with Dutch blood has become an important part of the Indonesian national team with Shin Tae Yong, including helping the Garuda team qualify for the 2023 Asian Cup.
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