Indonesia face challenges in bringing Europe-based players to AFF Cup 2024

Indonesia's naturalized striker Rafael Struick (L) during a game against Vietnam in the Asian Cup. Photo by AFC

Erick Thohir, president of the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI), initially considered sending an U22 team to the AFF Cup due to its overlap with the third qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup.

Originally scheduled from Nov. 23 to Dec. 21, 2024, the tournament dates were later adjusted to Dec. 9, 2024, to Jan. 5, 2025, to allow for better squad management, particularly during the winter break in many European leagues, CNN Indonesia reported.

Indonesia currently have 16 players based abroad, with five in the Netherlands, four in England, three in Belgium, and others in the U.S., Italy, Australia and Malaysia.

However, the timing of the AFF Cup coincides with ongoing leagues in England, Belgium, Australia, and Malaysia, making it challenging for the national team to call up key players unless successful negotiations with clubs are achieved.

Among the key players are defenders Jay Idzes (Italy) and Jordi Amat (Malaysia), as well as Sandy Walsh, Shayne Pattynama, Ragnar Oratmagoen (Belgium), and Rafael Struick (Australia).

Players with less playing time in England, such as Nathan Tjoe-A-On, Elkan Baggott, Justin Hubner and Marselino Ferdinan, may be more accessible for the national team.

FC Dallas did not make the playoffs in Major League Soccer, so goalkeeper Maarten Paes is likely to be available.

Players from the Dutch league, including Eliano Reijnders, Thom Haye, Ivar Jenner, Mees Hilgers and Calvin Verdonk, can join the national team if Indonesia reach the AFF Cup semifinals, as their league will take a break after the group stage concludes.

However, as the AFF Cup is not part of the FIFA international break, clubs are not obligated to release their players.

"This entirely depends on the governing body," CNN Indonesia wrote. "Even if clubs are on break, it doesn’t mean players can automatically decide to play for the national team."

One proposed solution is to leave five spots open in the national team for European-based players, but this would put considerable pressure on the remaining 18 squad members, who must endure a grueling schedule of four group stage matches with just three days of rest between each one. Additionally, the tournament also imposes strict requirements on player registration.

The 2024 AFF Cup requires teams to submit a preliminary list of 50 players by Nov. 8, 30 days before the tournament begins. The final squad of 23 players must then be announced at a technical meeting on Dec. 7. Player replacements are not allowed during the tournament, except for injured goalkeepers, and in the case of an injury to other positions, changes can only be made if confirmed by the organizing committee’s medical team before the first match.

PSSI must also coordinate with domestic clubs, as the Indonesian league will continue during the AFF Cup. However, some clubs have expressed willingness to release their players.

Indonesia have achieved several milestones in 2024 but has yet to secure a title under head coach Shin Tae-yong. Last year, their U22 team ended a 32-year wait for a SEA Games gold medal, raising expectations for the AFF Cup, where Indonesia have finished as runners-up six times but never claimed the title.

The determination to win this year may depend on the resolve of both Thohir and Shin, according to Bola. The South Korean coach previously stated that Indonesian football should shift its focus from regional tournaments to the Asian and global stage.

Currently, Indonesia are fifth in group C of the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The team secured draws against Saudi Arabia, Australia and Bahrain but suffered a narrow defeat to China. In November, Indonesia will face tough matches against Japan and Saudi Arabia at home.

For the 2024 AFF Cup, Indonesia are in group B and will play Myanmar on Dec. 9 (away), Laos on Dec. 12 (home), Vietnam on Dec. 15 (away), and the Philippines on Dec. 21 (home).