PSSI Worried About Flights for Diaspora Players Ahead of FIFA Series

Jakarta (ANTARA) — PSSI Executive Committee member Arya Sinulingga says he is worried about flight arrangements that could affect the arrival of diaspora players for the Indonesian national team ahead of the FIFA Series.

Arya said the international flight situation, particularly routes from Europe and the Middle East, remains uncertain, so PSSI must seek the best travel options for the players.

‘This is FIFA Series, but Lebaran is approaching; there will surely be disruptions. So we hope the preparations can be made. But I am a little worried about these flights; if players can participate, those from Europe will be affected somewhat. We know the situation in the Middle East is like that,’ he said. ‘We will try to find a way whether it is possible to fly to Indonesia or not.’

Arya added that as of now PSSI has not yet confirmed purchasing air tickets, as it is awaiting developments in the international situation.

‘The current situation, we do not know how it will be navigated or through which route. Whether via the United States or not, we do not know either. We will assess the urgency as strongly as possible to determine whether the coach can find steps. We will then determine what is best going forward,’ he said.

Arya noted that the national team’s coach John Herdman is still considering the best time to assemble the players for the training camp.

‘He (John Herdman) is also taking Lebaran into account. We’ll see how it goes. There will surely be steps taken,’ Arya said.

In the same interview, Arya also explained the situation of national team defender Elkan Baggott, who had previously been absent from the squad.

According to Arya, the decision did not come from the coach, but from the player who at the time chose to focus with his club, Ipswich Town.

‘TElkan Baggott? It was actually not the coach, it was the player at the time. He was more focused on his club at that time. So, this is not yet known; it will be based on needs,’ he said.

Arya stressed that call-ups will be adjusted to the needs of the coaching staff for each national team agenda.

‘In Elkan’s position, how? A lot? There will be many options,’ Arya said.