Indra Sjafri Will Not Involve Marselino Ferdinand In The U-20 Indonesian National Team

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team player, Marselino Ferdinand, is certain to no longer have a place in the U-20 Indonesian national team who will soon compete in the 2024 Toulon Cup.

Currently, Indra Sjafri continues to finalize his team in preparation for the 2024 Toulon Cup which will take place on June 3-16, 2024 in France. The coach reportedly will also receive additional strength from seven diaspora players in the Netherlands.

After leading the U-20 Indonesian national team training in the Gelora Bung Karno area, Jakarta, on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, Indra Sjafri was asked about his opportunity to call Marselino Ferdinand into the team. However, the coach firmly will not involve the player.

"Marselino (Ferdinan) can no longer (enter the U-20 Indonesian national team squad). This was born in 2001 to 2005," said Indra Sjafri.

In fact, Marselino Ferdinand is a player born in 2004 who means he is currently 19 years old. He was born on September 9, 2004.

If referring to the age of the player, Marselino can still enter to strengthen the U-20 Indonesian national team.

Moreover, the player who also plays in Belgium is also one of the lives of the U-23 Indonesian national team when advancing to the top four of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup.

Regarding Indra Sjafri's statement that closed the door for Marselino, the coach had his own reasons.

He admitted that this was chosen because he wanted to focus on seeing how the strength and development of the U-20 Indonesian national team was based on the players he had set.

"We agree with PSSI, we use this event for the U-20 Indonesian national team trial. This means that the births of 2005, 2006, and 2007 are not included in the regulations," he said.

The coach also explained that he wanted to use the 2024 Toulon Cup as a selection ground for Indonesian U-20 national team players.

In addition, the event will also be used by Indra Sjafri to assess seven Dutch players who can later be considered to switch citizens.

The seven names of the diaspora players from the Netherlands are Jens Raven, Xavi Wouldstra, Maresmo Hinoke, Kaya Symons, Dion Markx, Sacha Deighton, and D'Leanu Arts.