Naturalization policy will backfire sooner or later

Trung Quốc - Ảnh 1. — Chinese expert criticizes Indonesian national team's naturalization policy - Photo: Sina

China failed in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Immediately after that, Chinese experts and media were discussing options to revive the country's football. In which, the option of naturalization was also considered, when witnessing the success of Indonesian football with a massive wave of naturalization.

However, many Chinese football experts immediately rejected this option, because they believed that naturalization was only temporary and would sooner or later backfire. Sina Sports wrote: "Naturalized players are not a panacea. Philippine football has tried this method for a long time. But they couldn't even beat Guam.

Chinese football has also gone astray. Elkeson and Alan wore Chinese national team jerseys but we still lost to Syria. Football relies on the youth system, not on a few foreign players to change our fate."

Chinese media also cited Indonesian football. New Plot Opens wrote: "The Indonesian league is at rock bottom. The infrastructure is outdated, the youth system is paralyzed, and the skills of local players are not high. The complete reliance on naturalized players to maintain appearances.

It's like the newly rich wearing famous brands to show off. The results may improve in the short term, but in the long run it is definitely a waste of effort.

The Indonesian Football Association's eagerness for quick success has hurt itself. Mass naturalization has led to dressing room clashes. Local players have openly complained that they are not getting a chance. Dutch players look down on the locals and clashes often break out on the training ground."

Chinese experts believe that the right way to do football is to follow the Japanese or Korean way. They commented: "Japan has focused on youth training for 30 years and can now compete with Germany. Korea focuses on the school football system and talents like Son Heung Min appear constantly.

Indonesia wants to take a shortcut, but in the end it only makes things worse. The naturalization policy will backfire sooner or later. These European or African players come to work for high bonuses...

When their World Cup dreams are shattered, they will be the first to pack up and leave. The mess left behind will have to be cleaned up by local players and this vicious cycle will never end."

QUOC THANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/chinh-sach-nhap-tich-som-muon-gi-cung-se-phan-tac-dung-20250614103927899.htm