2023 U-17 World Cup: Government Guarantee Already Out, Next What?

PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir (center). (Photo: Doc. PSSI)

JAKARTA - A guarantee letter from the government for the implementation of the U-17 World Cup was issued by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on Tuesday, August 15, morning WIB.

This is just the first step. There are still many things that must be resolved by the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) and the Indonesian government so that they can hold the U-17 World Cup.

PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir said, after the government guarantee was issued, it would then be to encourage the host city. "The contract, what are all, is being pushed," said Erick, as quoted by Antara.

"Then the repair of the U-17 facility at that time was explained by Mr. Basuki (Hadimuljono, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing), and the Governor of DKI and the Regent of Bandung. There are divisions," he added.

Regarding the assessment of the prospective host stadiums for the U-17 World Cup, Erick said that the Ministry of PUPR would still carry out a number of developments at the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS).

The construction includes a pedestrian bridge from JIS to Ancol as far as 400 meters and a road opening around Lake Ring Sunter toll roads.

As for the construction around JIS that cannot be completed on time, is the JIS access to the train because it was not planned beforehand.

Then for the grass issue, Erick emphasized that the matter will be resolved by taking into account the needs according to FIFA standards. Because the grass issue is not only related to the field of the match, but also the training field.

"Well, we are trying to encourage this because there are two groups in Jakarta. Then in Bandung there are two (groups), so indeed this match mobility is high so the strength of the quality of the grass field must be superior compared to Solo and Surabaya, which are only one group," said Erick.

The U-17 World Cup is planned to take place from November 10 to December 2. The stadiums that will host are JIS, Si Jalak Harupat Stadium (Bandung Regency), Manahan Stadium (Solo), and Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium (Surabaya).

Indonesia was chosen to host the U-17 World Cup by FIFA last June. Previously, Indonesia also had the honor of hosting the U-20 World Cup, but due to several obstacles FIFA finally revoked this right.