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While the factions in the Indonesian Football Association squabble among themselves, the national team is deprived of its best players.

Under-21 national team coach Widodo C. Putro has limited options as he holds tryouts ahead of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy in Brunei Darussalam, which runs from Feb. 25 to March 5.

The association known as the PSSI called up 45 players for the three-day tryout, which ends today. Most of the players are from the Premier Division and First Division, the two leagues beneath the officially sanctioned Indonesian Premier League organized by Liga Prima Indonesia Sportindo.

FIFA rules prohibit players in the breakaway Indonesian Super League and other competitions organized by Liga Indonesia from being selected.

“I only have three days to pick my players, and most of them were recommended by the PSSI. There are only 45 players. I know there is lots of talent out there, so I asked the national team coordinator to hold another selection after the event,” Widodo said on Sunday.

He must trim his squad from 45 to 25 before registering the players with tournament organizers by Tuesday.

“There are players with good talent. We’ll see their improvement in the selection. We’ll assess their basic skills and vision. I know it’s a difficult time for our football, but we have to move on,” Widodo said.

The Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy, held by the Brunei Darussalam football association, offers $26,000 in prize money. Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and the host nation will take part in the first edition since Brunei’s FIFA suspension ended last year.