Welber Jardim's Reason For Not Being On The U-23 Indonesian National Team Call List Ahead Of The 2025 AFF U-23 Cup

Welber Jardim was not included in the list of players called by Gerald Vanenburg to the U-23 Indonesian national team to prepare to appear in the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup. Regarding this matter, Ahmed Zaki as the U-23 Indonesian National Team Manager gave the reason.

He said the diaspora players would only be considered to enter the call when the U-23 Asian Cup Qualification was included in the official FIFA Matchday calendar.

"Now the AFF U-23 Cup is also not included in the FIFA calendar. The U-23 Asian Cup qualification on FIFA Matchday is also likely to see again the assets that are on or playing outside," said Ahmed Zaki in a statement quoted from Antara, Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

"So, now give time for coach Gerald (Vanenburg), also see the potential of our players in (the country)," he said.

Even so, Zaki ensured that so far the U-23 Indonesian national team squad was complete, consisting of 28 players including additional goalkeepers. There will be no addition of new players, unless there is an emergency such as an injury.

"Hopefully no one gets injured, that's all. If there are other things on the way, of course it will be adjusted to the needs of the team," said Zaki.

The U-23 Indonesian national team will face their first match in the AFF U-23 Cup on July 15, 2025, after undergoing a training camp from June 20 to July 14, 2025 in Jakarta.

The 2025 AFF U-23 Cup will take place on 15 -29 July 2025 in Indonesia. The U-23 Indonesian national team occupies Group A with Brunei Darussalam, Philippines, and Malaysia.