PSM Makassar coaching staffs and manager have recently spoken against the Marquee Player rule, which they thought only benefit a handful of clubs, and urged the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) to nurture young players instead.
Based on the new regulation, clubs are allowed to sign four foreign players, but one of whom shall be a Marquee Player in accordance with the “2 + 1 + 1″ scheme (two foreign players, one Asian player, and one marquee player). The four were also allowed to play in the game. As for clubs who do not have a Marquee Player, they should follow the 2 + 1” scheme.
Coach Robert Rene Alberts said he did not like the decision from PSSI.
“The time is wrong, why should this be implemented just one month before the start of the new season? Not all teams have the ability to bring a star player. I guess they do not think about the consequences of this rule. It is not fair because not everyone can meet these regulations,” said the Dutch tactician.
He added that PSSI should have regulations that promote thinking about football in Indonesia and giving young players opportunities Indonesia U-23 national team.
“I really do not agree to these regulations, because it doesn’t actually focus on coaching the U-23,” said Robert Alberts.
CEO of PSM Makassar Munafri Arifuddin also agreed that the club could not accept the new rules of PSSI: “We do not want to accept the rules because PSM is still in a budget shortfall. It is only fortunate for the club which has a large fund with a big sponsor,” said Munafri.
“Of course we can still accept Marquee Player. But we have to think ahead of this rule because we have created a budget that will be used for one season to the next. Our hope is this rule won’t be in this season, maybe the next.”