Jakarta –
Vice Chairman of PSSI Zainuddin Amali gave his comments regarding the fate of the six venues for 2023 U-20 World Cup. According to him, whatever the decision FIFA must be respected.
As is known, Indonesia has appointed six venues to be used for the biggest age group football event in the world. Namely Gelora Bung Karno (Jakarta), Manahan (Solo), Gelora Bung Tomo (Surabaya), I Wayan Dipta Bali (Gianyar), Gelora Sriwijaya (Palembang), and The Starling Harupat (Bandung). Of the six stadiums, there are several records given by FIFA.
To ensure that some of these things are fulfilled, the Chairman of PSSI Erick Thohir also reviewed the entire venue in person last week, and produced a number of notes for improvement.
For example, Si Jalak Harupat was asked to remove the athletics track, then add several items in the media stands, including for VVIP glass dividers. If this is not fulfilled, it is possible that the venue will be crossed off the list.
“As has been conveyed by the General Chairperson (Erick Thohir) that these six stadiums have been asked to prepare properly, because on the 21st FIFA will come to check the six locations directly. But whatever FIFA’s decision we have to accept, which stadium will be used,” said Deputy Chairman General PSSI Zainudin Amali when met at the GBK Arena, Senayan, on Friday (17/3/2023).
“Pak Ketum hopes that six of them can be used, but if FIFA determining that there are stadiums that cannot be used, of course we cannot force them,” he emphasized.
This is possible because the U-20 World Cup is the right and property of FIFA, and Indonesia is only the host.
“So all the provisions are determined by FIFA. We already have a commitment, a government guarantee before being declared a host during the 2019 bidding. I think we have to follow FIFA standards and what they want,” said Amali who is also Independent Commissioner.
Meanwhile regarding the fate of GBK SU, which has the opportunity to be dropped due to the damaged condition of the grass field, after being used for several music concerts, Amali does not want to speculate.
“I don’t know yet, when the general chairman checked directly, he received a guarantee from the GBK directors that when FIFA came to Indonesia to check, it was certain that the stadium had returned to normal,” said Amali.
As a note, FIFA will come to Indonesia to check on the readiness of the venues from March 21 to 27.
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(mcy/also)
