Guessing 4 2023 U-17 World Cup Stadiums Chosen By FIFA, JIS One Among Them

PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir. (Photo: Ulfa Gusti Utami/VOI)

JAKARTA - The International Football Federation (FIFA) has set the 2023 U-17 World Cup in Indonesia to use four stadiums out of eight proposed by the All-Indonesian Football Association (PSSI). However, it has not been stated in detail, the four stadiums agreed by FIFA and PSSI.

FIFA has not officially announced the name of the stadium to be used for the 2023 U-17 World Cup. However, some stadiums are believed to be strong candidates.

Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) seems to be one of the options. The reason is, the new stadium in Jakarta has been inspected by representatives of FIFA.

JIS' name is getting stronger as the U-17 World Cup venue because Gelora Bung Karno's Main Stadium (SGUBK) may not be able to be used because it collides with Coldplay's concert schedule.

Apart from JIS, the stadiums that may be used for the 2023 U-17 World Cup venue are Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Manahan Stadium and Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium. These three stadiums were also inspected by representatives of FIFA, a few days ago.

Not only that, in his statement, PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir said that his party had proposed to FIFA that the group phase be held in four cities, namely Jakarta, Bandung, Solo and Surabaya.

For Jakarta and Bandung, matches will be held in two groups. Meanwhile, Solo and Surbaaya each held matches in one group.

"We propose that Indonesia also play in Jakarta. The semifinals and finals will be held in Solo. And for that there are several improvements that are being pushed by FIFA," said Erick.

Previously reported, PSSI proposed eight stadiums to hold the 2023 U-17 World Cup. However, FIFA assessed that the four stadiums were sufficient to hold the age group grand party.

"We proposed eight stadiums. However, as a result of the budget agreement, we see it seems to be narrowed to four," said the man who is also the Minister of SOEs

"FIFA believes these four stadiums can. We also have a proposal. However, this should be an agreement to be brought to the government with the agreed time," he continued.

He also explained that FIFA's attention to all stadiums that had been inspected was related to grass conditions. Grass treatment must be improved.

For this reason, FIFA will send an even bigger team on August 15-26 2023. One of its parts is a team of grass experts from Australia.