Menpora Dito Ariotedjo: The 2023 U-17 World Cup Opening Will Not Be Spectacular

Menpora Dito Ariotedjo. (Photo: Ulfa Gusti Utami/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Dito Ariotedjo emphasized that the opening of the 2023 U-17 World Cup would not be spectacular. This is based on regulations set by the International Football Federation (FIFA).

The general chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has said that the opening of the U-17 World Cup will take place at the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS), Jakarta. The ceremony will be held on November 10.

"Earlier, the chairman of PSSI (Erick Thohir) said that because this is the U-17 World Cup, there are rules from FIFA that (the opening) cannot be too spectacular. So there are indeed separate rules for each level, both at the U-17, U-20, and World Cups. senior," said the Menpora in his statement quoted on Thursday, August 10.

However, Dito could not confirm in detail about the agenda. He said later that FIFA would return to visit the venue to discuss preparations for the opening and closing of the event.

"There is no (detailed agenda), yesterday from the FIFA inspection which gave notes and we will fix it again. FIFA will come again and then we will prepare the opening and closing," he continued.

Regarding FIFA regulations regarding the opening of the U-17 World Cup which could not be too spectacular, Dito explained, the indicators in question were related to the number of spectators and the content of the event during its implementation.

Later Kemenpora will discuss this topic after FIFA conducts a follow-up visit at the end of August.

"From the number of spectators and it seems that the content of the festive event is also checked by FIFA. I have not received details from FIFA. What is certain is that this is properly maintained so that it is not too spectacular," he explained.

With the stipulations that have been determined by FIFA, Dito hopes that the public will not have high hopes for the excitement of the 2023 U-17 World Cup. As an illustration, he said the possibility of the opening ceremony would not be as grand as the 2018 Asian Games.

"No, it's not like that (the Asian Games). The Asian Games are spectacular. So don't have too high expectations," he said.