Timnas Indonesia U-20 Faces Challenges with Tim Geypens and Dion Markx’s Naturalization Ahead of AFC U-20 Asian Cup
Bola.com, Jakarta - The Indonesia U-20 national team may face difficulties with the inclusion of two potential naturalized players, Tim Geypens and Dion Markx, for the 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup.
PSSI Executive Committee member Arya Sinulingga clarified that the deadline for registering players for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup is one month before the tournament begins.
The competition will take place in China from February 12 to March 1, 2025. This means Geypens and Markx must become Indonesian citizens by January 12, 2025, to be eligible for the Indonesia U-20 squad.
However, the naturalization process for Geypens and Markx could face delays due to the ongoing parliamentary recess, which lasts from December 6, 2024, to January 20, 2025. The players’ citizenship transfer from the Netherlands to Indonesia requires approval from the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) before being finalized by the government.
"I’m honest, it’s going to be tough to get them into the U-20 team. AFC requires the player registration to be submitted by January 12, 2025, which is challenging because the DPR is on recess. They will be on break until January 20, 2025," Arya explained during a press conference for the Liga Nusantara on Thursday, December 12, 2024.
"We have to follow the rules, but we are confident that the DPR fully supports us. There are no issues on their end. However, we have to submit the player documentation for the U-20 team by January 12, 2025," he added.
Despite these challenges, Arya assured that the naturalization of Geypens and Markx will continue. "It’s a tough situation, but the naturalization process will continue. Our goal isn't just the 2025 U-20 Asian Cup; we hope they will also be available for the U-23 national team in the future," he said.
Indonesia U-20 is placed in Group C for the 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup, alongside Uzbekistan, Iran, and Yemen.
