HOT: Numerous Indonesian naturalized players face risk of being banned from competition

Legal upheaval in the Netherlands has resulted in the suspension of many Indonesian players of Dutch descent, bringing about the risk of bans when nationality matters encounter trouble.

Dutch newspaper Telegraaf revealed a shocking development concerning the naturalized players of the Indonesian national team competing in Europe. Not only Dean James, but many other names are also affected as clubs in the Netherlands collectively adopt precautionary measures amid legal complications related to nationality.

According to this source, Dean James has been temporarily suspended from both training and matches by club Go Ahead Eagles. A similar situation has occurred with Justin Hubner and Nathan Tjoe-A-On at Fortuna Sittard and Willem II. This development indicates that the risk of a large number of Dutch-born Indonesian players being banned from competition is gradually becoming real.

“The passport issue in professional football has led many clubs to choose the safe option of temporarily removing players from the squad,” Telegraaf wrote. “Fortuna Sittard also did the same with Justin Hubner and Justin Lonwijk, while Willem II applied it to Nathan Tjoe-A-On.” This is seen as a chain reaction from clubs facing increasing legal pressure.

Not stopping there, the case of Tim Geypens at FC Emmen also shows the extent of the spreading issue. “Earlier, FC Emmen had already excluded Tim Geypens from the squad for the same reason, followed by Go Ahead Eagles taking similar action with Dean James,” Telegraaf reported. “In the Keuken Kampioen Divisie, Willem II also temporarily barred Nathan Tjoe-A-On from training or playing due to unclear nationality status.”

Notably, the incident originating from complaints related to Dean James quickly escalated to a larger scale. “There is a list of 25 players potentially losing Dutch nationality due to playing for national teams outside the European Union,” Telegraaf wrote. “This list has been submitted to the IND for assessment.”

While awaiting conclusions, many clubs in the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie are forced to act cautiously. “While awaiting decisions, many clubs in the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie decided not to use the involved players.” This means the risk of being banned from competition is no longer hypothetical, but is directly impacting the careers of Indonesian players.

Dutch law stipulates that those voluntarily acquiring another nationality may lose Dutch nationality, leading to a series of constraints regarding non-EU player status. This is precisely the knot causing clubs concern, especially as requirements for work permits, residency, and minimum salary are very high.

Given the tense situation, the Indonesian Football Association PSSI maintains a calm stance. “The processing procedure does not take place here but over there, so we just wait. Surely there will be a solution; this is just an emerging issue,” said Arya Sinulingga.“Not only him, there are many other cases from our side; all administrative procedures have been completed, it will be fine, not worrisome.”