PSSI Continues To Lobby FIFA, Menpora Dito Ariotedjo: The Government With Tupoksi And Its Authority Always Supports

The new Menpora, Dito Ariotedjo. (Photo via Antara)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir, is still lobbying the FIFA Federation to anticipate severe sanctions after the 2023 U-20 World Cup will not be held in Indonesia.

This was conveyed by the Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora), Dito Ariotedjo, after being inaugurated by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) replacing Zainudin Amali at the State Palace on Monday, April 3, 2023 evening WIB.

"As far as I know, communication with Ketum Erick Thohir is still being carried out with lobbying and discussions," said Dito.

"What is certain is that the government with our main duties and authorities always supports what the PSSI Ketum is doing," he added.

FIFA officially revoked Indonesia's status to host the 2023 U-20 World Cup on Wednesday, March 29 last week. In its official statement, FIFA announced that the decision was made because of the "new situation".

However, the decision was considered to be due to the strengthening of the wave of protests against the Israeli national team. After the deletion, Indonesia also overshadowed a number of severe sanctions from FIFA.

On the previous occasion, Erick himself had promised to work hard to minimize sanctions coming from FIFA. So far, it is possible that what sanctions will be received has not been notified.

"I will work hard to re-negotiate with FIFA, avoiding sanctions that can happen, because FIFA itself certainly doesn't expect this to happen," Erick said on Friday last week.

In their letter to Indonesia, FIFA indicated that they are currently studying and considering the sanctions to be given. Therefore, there is still an opportunity for Indonesia to discuss to ease sanctions.

"I'm waiting for FIFA's invitation after they have a FIFA Council meeting, in the next few days and I'm ready to meet FIFA again," said Erick.

Indonesia was previously sanctioned by FIFA in 2015 which resulted in the national team and Indonesian clubs unable to compete in international competitions.