Welber Jardim’s Surprise Omission from Indonesia U-23 Squad for 2025 AFF Championship
As the Indonesian U-23 national team begins preparations for the 2025 AFF U-23 Championship, the absence of promising young player Welber Jardim has caught public attention. The 18-year-old, who has regularly featured in Indonesia's youth teams, was notably missing from the training session led by head coach Gerald Vanenburg. Considering his age and previous performances, many had expected him to be a central figure in the tournament.
Welber's exclusion is not related to performance or injury, but rather a matter of logistics and regulation. Since the AFF U-23 Championship does not fall under the official FIFA calendar, clubs—especially those based overseas—are not obligated to release players. Welber, currently playing for São Paulo U-20 in Brazil, is thus unable to join the national team unless his club voluntarily agrees, which is often unlikely for non-FIFA events.
The coaching staff and management appear to be using this opportunity to evaluate domestic talent. Coach Vanenburg is focusing on players currently based in Indonesia to assess their readiness for international competition. This strategy not only compensates for the absence of overseas players but also gives a broader pool of local athletes a chance to prove themselves on the national stage.
Despite his current absence, Welber’s future with the national team remains secure. The coaching team has stated that overseas-based players like him will continue to be monitored and considered for selection, especially for FIFA-sanctioned tournaments such as the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers. With the final squad for the AFF U-23 still subject to change, further adjustments could occur depending on team needs and player conditions.
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