Football
ESPN staff 6y

Selangor confirm Indonesia aces Evan Dimas, Ilham Armaiyn for 2018

Selangor FA have finally secured the services of Indonesian internationals Evan Dimas and Ilham Armaiyn after agreeing to demands to release the players for international duty before and during August's Asian Games.

Last month, the Red Giants announced the signing of the pair, with one of them assigned to the Malaysia Super League's (MSL) new ASEAN quota spot.

The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) had then threatened to prevent the transfer. due to fears that midfielder Dimas and winger Armaiyn would not be given time off to prepare for the Young Garudas' Asian Games campaign on home soil.

Earlier this week, Selangor FA president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal reassured fans that the new signings would arrive as planned.

He scheduled a meeting with PSSI president Edy Rahmayadi in Jakarta and an agreement has been reached that has been accepted by both parties.

"We at FA Selangor agree to follow any direction from the President of PSSI regarding the adjustment of the schedule and release period for the training of the Indonesian national squad, especially their U23 squad for preparation for Asian Games 2018," Subahan said.

"I am also grateful to Edy Rahmayadi for wanting to receive my visit to discuss and resolve the issue around both players."

Rahmayadi had previously accused the players of a lack of patriotism by playing overseas in Asian Games year, but he seems to have relaxed his position following negotiations.

"PSSI is grateful for the visit and approval of FA Selangor who understand the importance of preparing the U23 Indonesia squad for the 2018 Asian Games 2018 as hosts," Rahmayadi said.

While Dimas and Armaiyn are expected to arrive on Jan. 5, Selangor also confirmed that new Brazilian striker Willian Pacheco would land in Malaysia on Sunday.

Selangor have won a record 33 Malaysia Cup titles, the most recent being 2015, while they lost the 2016 final to Kedah.

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