Skandal paspor, Sumardji ungkap pengorbanan pemain keturunan demi bela timnas Indonesia

The Chairman of the National Team Body (BTN), Sumardji, has shed light on the significant sacrifices made by Indonesian heritage players embroiled in a complex passport scandal in the Dutch League. This unfolding situation highlights the deep commitment of these athletes to their Indonesian identity, even as it creates professional challenges.

The controversy initially surfaced following a report from NAC Breda, which questioned the eligibility of Dean James to play in the Eredivisie. The club raised concerns because James was reportedly still using a Dutch passport for registration, despite having changed his citizenship to Indonesian. This raised suspicions of dual nationality, particularly impacting his work permit status within the league. The director of Go Ahead Eagles, James’s current club, also acknowledged the issue, further validating the concerns surrounding the player’s status.

For Dean James and numerous other Indonesian heritage players, this situation reclassifies them as “non-EU” players. Such a designation carries significant implications for their careers in European football, affecting crucial aspects like work permits and the salaries they are entitled to receive. The Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the matter, though its findings have yet to be released. This wide-ranging inquiry involves a total of 25 players, extending beyond just those with Indonesian ties to include individuals from several other nations.

Sumardji, in an official statement, firmly asserted that this issue is entirely separate from the players’ naturalization processes and has no bearing on Indonesian law. He emphasized that the decision to become Indonesian citizens (WNI) stems from a profound love for their ancestral homeland. Sumardji elaborated, “All players of Indonesian descent who have represented the Indonesian National Team, including Dean James, Justin Hubner, and Nathan Tjoe-A-On, have legitimately become Indonesian Citizens (WNI) and are confirmed to have no legal issues in Indonesia.” He further added, “Many of them were born, raised, live, and have families outside Indonesia. So, their decision to become WNI is proof of their love and dedication to the motherland.”

Beyond their dedication on the training ground and during national team matches, Sumardji highlighted the tangible sacrifices these players have made by relinquishing their previous citizenships. This includes giving up certain advantages crucial for their careers in the Dutch League and other foreign countries. “It’s not just proven by their hard work in training and matches for the National Team,” Sumardji stated, “but also by the fact that by becoming Indonesian Citizens, they have had to give up many facilities.” He cited the specific example of “the necessity to possess a permit or visa to live and work in a foreign country, such as in the Netherlands,” as a direct consequence of their choice.

Despite these significant sacrifices, Sumardji conveyed PSSI’s immense gratitude for these talented athletes, many of whom continue to play pivotal roles in top European clubs. He proudly mentioned players like Maarten Paes, who is with Ajax Amsterdam, and Calvin Verdonk, playing for LOSC Lille in the top tier of the French League. “This is a concrete demonstration of the sacrifices made by our players. We are also very grateful,” Sumardji concluded, “that Indonesian National Team players are still trusted to play important roles in top-tier European clubs, such as Maarten Paes.” Their continued success on the international stage stands as a testament to their skill and unwavering commitment despite the regulatory hurdles they navigate.