PSIS Semarang has announced the departure of their Japanese midfielder, Taisei Marukawa, ahead of the 2024/2025 Indonesian Liga 1 season. Although Marukawa’s contract was set to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season, he has been released on a free transfer to another Liga 1 club. Rumors suggest that Marukawa will join Dewa United.
PSIS Semarang CEO, A.S. Sukawijaya, explained that the decision was influenced by new regulations limiting the use of Asian foreign players in a single match. “The regulation for Asian players next season has changed. Teams are only allowed to field one Asian foreign player in a match,” Sukawijaya said in Semarang on Tuesday.
PSIS has two Asian foreign players, Taisei Marukawa and Gali Freitas. After lengthy discussions with management and Marukawa himself, PSIS decided to release Marukawa. Sukawijaya added, “We have to comply with the regulation, and after careful consideration, we and Marukawa agreed not to continue the cooperation.”
Marukawa has been with PSIS for two seasons since joining during the 2022/2023 Liga 1 season. During the 2023/2024 season, he played in 30 matches and scored four goals. The 27-year-old has been a mainstay in PSIS’s attacking line, and his departure is a significant loss for the pride of Central Java’s capital.
In his official statement, Marukawa mentioned that this decision was made amicably after discussions with management. “A football career must go on, and it is normal for a player and a club to part ways,” he said. He also expressed his appreciation to all elements of the PSIS team, including management, coaching staff, officials, fellow players, and supporters. “It has been an honor to play for PSIS, and I hope to meet again in the future,” Marukawa added.
PSIS Semarang will now focus on their other Asian foreign player, Gali Freitas, to fill the Asian foreign player quota in accordance with the new regulations. With a heavy heart, PSIS management made this important decision to maintain team balance and adhere to competition rules.
Marukawa’s move to another Liga 1 club is expected to sustain his career, which has shown promising performance during his time with PSIS. PSIS CEO, Yoyok Sukawi, stated that Marukawa is leaving under a transfer fee arrangement, and rumors suggest he will play for another Liga 1 club next season.
This departure marks the end of an era for Marukawa at PSIS Semarang but also opens a new chapter in his football career in Indonesia. Best of luck to Taisei Marukawa at his new club, and thank you for your contributions during your time with PSIS Semarang.
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