Jakarta, The Indonesia Post – Deputy Chairman of Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) Zainudin Amali emphasized that whatever decision the world soccer body FIFA makes regarding the U-20 World Cup stadiums must be obeyed.
“Mr. Chairman, we hope that six of them can be used. But if FIFA determines that there is a stadium that cannot be used, of course we cannot force it. This World Cup is FIFA’s right and property, we only have the opportunity to be the host. So all the provisions, it is FIFA who decisive,” said Zainudin when met at the GBK Arena, Jakarta, Friday.
The former Minister of Youth and Sports stated that this was in line with the government’s guarantee before Indonesia proposed to host the U-20 World Cup.
“We already have a commitment, a government guarentee before being declared a host during the 2019 bidding. I think we have to follow FIFA standards and what they want,” he said.
The issue of the stadium where the U-20 World Cup will be held has recently been a concern of PSSI, marked by general chairman Erick Thohir’s inspection of the six stadiums in the past week. The figure who is also the Minister of BUMN has visited Jakabring Stadium (Palembang), Si Jalak Harupat Stadium (Bandung), Manahan Stadium (Solo), Captain I Wayan Dipta Stadium (Gianyar), Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium (Surabaya), and lastly to the Stadium Main Gelora Bung Karno (Jakarta).
Of the six stadiums, the GBK Stadium is the one that is considered most in need of repair, especially for the grass field problem.
During a visit to the GBK Stadium on Monday (13/3), Erick said that the stadium could no longer be a venue for any events, both sports and arts, until the U-20 World Cup was held.
“When the general chairman checked directly, he received a guarantee from the GBK directors that when FIFA came to Indonesia to check, it was confirmed that the stadium had returned to normal,” said Zainudin.
FIFA will again carry out inspections of the stadiums hosting the U-20 World Cup from March 21 to 27. After that they will decide whether these stadiums are suitable for holding this grand youth event. (mhn/bbs)
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