The Indonesian Football Association said the naturalization of footballers Luke Anthony Vickery and Mitchell Lee Baker is a strategic step to achieve the Indonesian national team's target of entering the top 50 FIFA rankings.
"Both athletes are needed to achieve the target of a top 50 FIFA ranking. Currently, we are ranked 118th," said Sumardji, Chairman of the PSSI National Team Body (BTN), in a working meeting with the Minister of Youth and Sports, the Minister of Law, and Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives regarding the naturalization applications of Luke Anthony Vickery and Mitchell Lee Baker.
He explained that this target is long-term, spanning more than five years. In addition to the world ranking, the PSSI also aims for the Indonesian national team to be in the top 10 in Asia.
Sumardji said another big target is to consistently qualify for the World Cup and Asian Cup finals.
He explained that the naturalization of these two players would strengthen the national team's squad. He said that in each playing position, several players with equally strong qualities should be available.
In addition, these two players are also needed to transfer knowledge and complement the quality of national football, both for the benefit of the national team and professional league competitions.
