Indra Sjafri Relieved FIFA's Sentence To Light Indonesia, Will Prove It Through The U-22 National Team Performance At The 2023 SEA Games

JAKARTA - The U-22 national team coach, Indra Sjafri, said he was relieved by the FIFA decision which sentenced Indonesia to a light sentence that failed to host the 2023 U-20 World Cup. The decision paved the way for his team to continue appearing at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.

"We are grateful after getting the good news that we can still play at the SEA Games and not get severe sanctions from FIFA," said Indra Sjafri on the sidelines of the U-22 national team celebration event regarding the FIFA sanctions at the Sultan Hotel, Friday, April 7 evening WIB.

Indra Sjafri expressed this feeling of relief for strong reasons, because if the sanctions imposed by FIFA were quite heavy, this would have an impact on freezing Indonesian football activities. Where this situation happened in 2015 which was quite a serious lesson.

"Why? We already have experience in 2015, we are sanctioned and all international activities of matches cannot be held, including competition in PSSI's plan," he continued.

As a form of gratitude, the coach who also serves as PSSI's Technical Director will try to escort his team to be more motivated. Because the U-22 national team is in preparation to compete in the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.

This moment (related to FIFA sanctions) will be a moment to prove our football to rise. We (the U-22 national team) will try our best to achieve the results we all want through appearances at the 2023 SEA Games," said Indra Sjafri.

Previously, Indra Sjafri had targeted the 2023 SEA Games gold medal. The gold medal will be the first highest achievement for the Indonesian national team after the gold medal was last won during the 1991 SEA Games.

At the 2023 SEA Games, the U-22 national team will join Group A with the hosts Cambodia, the Philippines, Timor Leste, and Myanmar. Indonesia will play their first Group A match against the Philippines on April 29.