iMSPORT.TV – Indonesia U-22 national team coach, Indra Sjafri, revealed that abroad-based players are not guaranteed to play at the 2025 SEA Games next month.
Indra explained that the SEA Games is not included in the FIFA calendar, meaning clubs have the right not to release their players for the prestigious Southeast Asian multi-sport event.
The 62-year-old coach said he cannot guarantee that abroad-based players such as Ivar Jenner (FC Utrecht), Mauro Zijlstra (FC Volendam), and Dion Markx (TOP Oss) will be able to join the squad for the SEA Games, even though they featured in two friendly matches against Mali.
“Yes, I must clarify this. Since the SEA Games is not a FIFA Matchday, I cannot confirm that all abroad-based players will definitely join us,” Indra said during a press conference after Garuda Muda’s 2-2 draw in their second friendly against Mali U-22 on Tuesday (18/11/2025).
In addition to Ivar, Mauro, and Dion who played in the friendly matches, PSSI is also working to ensure three other abroad-based players can represent Indonesia.
Indra Sjafri Says Abroad-Based U-22 Players Not Guaranteed to Play at the 2025 SEA Games
They are Marselino Ferdinan (AS Trencin/Slovakia), Adrian Wibowo (Los Angeles FC/USA), and Tim Geypens (FC Emmen/Netherlands).
Indra added that PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir is currently negotiating with the clubs that employ Indonesian players, hoping they will allow the players to participate in the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.
“PSSI, in this case the Chairman and his team, are working on it, and we have sent official letters to their respective clubs. Hopefully, we will receive positive responses,” Indra said.
The final squad list for Garuda Muda will be released after receiving confirmations from the clubs.
However, the Chairman of the National Team Committee (BTN), Sumardji, offered a slightly different statement, saying that Ivar, Mauro, and Dion have already received the green light from their clubs to play at the 2025 SEA Games.
“We have communicated with each of their clubs, and God willing, the responses have been very positive. We have discussed this from the beginning,” Sumardji said.
Sumardji also stated that Marselino has a strong chance of joining Garuda Muda at the 2025 SEA Games. Marselino is reportedly set to fly directly to Thailand and join the Indonesia U-22 national team at the end of this month.
“Our communication with Marselino’s club has been very positive. We have scheduled his departure from the club at the end of November,” he added.
(amr/adm)
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