As the Surinamese national football team gears up for crucial World Cup qualifiers against El Salvador and Guatemala, the Surinamese Football Association (SVB) is embroiled in a legal battle with FIFA. The dispute centers on the eligibility of Danilho Doekhi, a 27-year-old center-back for Union Berlin, to represent Suriname. The case, which has been ongoing for over a year, was recently brought before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), an independent tribunal that resolves international sports disputes. A ruling is expected next week.
Doekhi’s request to play for Suriname was initially submitted to FIFA in mid-2022 but has been repeatedly denied. The defender, who recently scored twice in Union Berlin’s 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich, ending the latter’s unbeaten streak in the Bundesliga, could significantly bolster Suriname’s squad. However, FIFA’s approval is required due to Doekhi’s prior appearances for the Dutch youth team, Jong Oranje.
Brian Tevreden, General Manager of Suriname’s national teams, expressed optimism about the CAS ruling, citing a precedent involving Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Paes, who was granted permission to play for Indonesia. Tevreden criticized the prolonged delay in Doekhi’s case, stating, ‘It’s incomprehensible… It shows that Suriname is not taken seriously as a footballing nation.’
If the CAS rules in favor of the SVB, Doekhi will join the national team after the upcoming qualifiers. He has already expressed his willingness to play for Suriname, potentially participating in the World Cup finals or the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2024 in Mexico. Bolivia and New Caledonia have already secured their spots in the playoffs, with other possible opponents including Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, and Cameroon.