Jakarta (ANTARA) - The number of stadiums for the 2023 U-20 World Cup matches could potentially be reduced from six to four if FIFA finds them unsuitable for hosting matches. "To my surprise, there was a note from FIFA that FIFA had the right to reduce the number of stadiums to four. Likewise, the (number of) training fields can be reduced," chairperson of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) and State-Owned Enterprises Minister, Erick Thohir, informed on Monday.
According to Thohir, FIFA could drop U-20 stadiums and training venues after re-auditing them. On March 21–27, 2023, FIFA officials will directly inspect arenas that will be used for the World Cup. Therefore, Thohir, who is also leading the local organizing committee (LOC) for the U-20 World Cup, promised to review the six designated stadiums from March 11–13, that is before the FIFA visit.
The 2023 U-20 World Cup is scheduled to take place from May 20 to June 11 in Indonesia. "I will ask representatives from the LOC, FIFA, and the central and local governments to inspect (the stadiums) together," he said.
He emphasized that PSSI and the government will work hard so that the 2023 U-20 World Cup can be held at the six stadiums—Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (Jakarta), Si Jalak Harupat Stadium (Bandung), Manahan Stadium (Solo), Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium (Surabaya), Gelora Sriwijaya Jakabaring Stadium (Palembang), and Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium (Gianyar, Bali).
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He said he did not want FIFA to reduce the number of stadiums because that could create a negative impression of Indonesia as the host of this year's U-20 World Cup.
"We are going to work hard (so that no stadium gets eliminated) instead of being embarrassed," he stated. Thohir also reminded that hosting the World Cup will require collaboration between parties, including the PSSI, the central government, and local governments. "This is a commitment of the central and local governments, including PSSI. I ask for the assistance, don't take it for granted," he said.
FIFA can reduce number of World Cup stadiums
Chairperson of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir (right), and deputy chairperson, Ratu Tisha Destria (left), issuing a press statement on a joint decision of the Indonesian football discussion, at GBK Arena in Jakarta on Sunday (March 5, 2023). (ANTARA PHOTO/Indrianto Eko Suwarso/tom)
Chairperson of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir (right), and deputy chairperson, Ratu Tisha Destria (left), issuing a press statement on a joint decision of the Indonesian football discussion, at GBK Arena in Jakarta on Sunday (March 5, 2023). (ANTARA PHOTO/Indrianto Eko Suwarso/tom)