JAKARTA, THE NUSANTARA POST- The plans for the Indonesian national team squad to compete in the U-23 AFF Cup in Cambodia have been dashed, after the Indonesian U-23 Team several players and officials were confirmed positive for COVID-19.
This cancellation is due to two things. First there are seven players who are positive for Covid-19 and 1 official. The seven players are Ronaldo Joybera R Junior, Muhammad Ferrari, Braif Fatari, Taufik Hidayat, Irfan Jauhari, Ahmad Figo Ramadhani, and Cahya Supriyadi.
In addition, there are four players who are waiting for the incubation period because they share the same room with those who have been exposed to COVID-19. They are Alfeandra Dewangga, Genta Alparedo, Muhammad Kanu Helmiawan, and Marcelino Ferdinand.
Then there were three injured players, namely Gunansar Mandowen, Ramai Rumakiek, and Muhammad Iqbal. The three players who were injured while strengthening their respective clubs in BRI Liga 1. Some of these players are currently recovering.
Currently there is only one goalkeeper, namely Muhammad Riyandi. However, Riyandi has just been quarantined for 10 days. Another goalkeeper, Cahya Supriyadi, also tested positive for COVID-19.
This condition made Shin Tae-yong send an official letter to the federation and propose to cancel Indonesia’s participation in the AFF U-23 Cup. Shin Tae-yong’s request was then responded to by PSSI.
After going through discussions between PSSI General Chair Mochamad Iriawan, Deputy Iwan Budianto, Secretary General Yunus Nusi, Technical Director Indra Sjafri, and coach Shin Tae-yong it was finally decided to cancel Indonesia’s participation in the tournament.
Regarding the South Korean coach’s wishes, PSSI asked all parties to wait for the results of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) first. After all the PCR players and officials came out, the new PSSI made a decision. Shin Tae-yong also claimed to be grateful to PSSI for understanding and understanding the situation that occurred in the U-23 team.
“With great regret, we have to cancel Indonesia’s participation in the AFF U-23 Cup for the reasons above. We apologize to all parties as this situation is beyond our control. Currently we are focusing on healing players affected by COVID-19 and injured,” Yunus said as quoted by The Nusantara Post from the official PSSI website (11/2/2022).
Yunus also apologized to the government, in this case, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, which has helped PSSI a lot regarding the training camp for players.
PSSI also apologized to the tournament owner, namely AFF and Garuda Indonesia, who planned to support the players’ struggle by providing planes to fly to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
