Maarten Paes Set to Defend Indonesian National Team in June 2024

Saturday, March 9 2024 – 05:10 WIB

VIVA – PSSI General Chair, Erick Thohir revealed good news for the Indonesian National Team. He stated that Maarten Paes could defend the Indonesian national team next June.

The Dallas FC goalkeeper is currently undergoing the naturalization process and has been approved by the Indonesian DPR. He underwent naturalization along with two other players, namely Thom Haye and Ragnar Ragnar Oratmangoen.

Even though they are not officially Indonesian citizens, Thom Haye and Ragnar Ragnar Oratmangoen were called by Shin Tae-yong for the Indonesian national team’s match against Vietnam in the World Cup qualifiers on March 21 and 25 2024.

Meanwhile, Paes was not called. However, Erick said that it is likely that the player will be able to compete in the Garuda squad in June 2024.

“Even if it’s Maarten, the process at FIFA is smooth, so Maarten Paes will only be able to strengthen in June or after June.” said Erick Thohir to reporters.

“It depends on the occasion when he takes the oath. So the dynamics are still there,” said Erick.

In June, the Indonesian National Team still has matches scheduled for the World Cup Qualifications. In that month, Indonesia had two home matches, namely against Iraq and the Philippines.

The top two teams in the second round of World Cup Qualification will qualify for the third round of World Cup Qualification. Paes’ presence will certainly be an advantage for the Indonesian National Team.