PSSI Chairman Ensures Gelora Sriwijaya Jakabaring Stadium Is Ready To Hold The U-20 World Cup

PALEMBANG - PSSI General Chair and Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 2023 U-20 World Cup Erick Thohir ensured that Gelora Sriwijaya Jakabaring Stadium was ready to hold the 2023 U-20 World Cup.

Erick conducted inspections at a number of points when he was present at the location on Saturday, March 11, 2023. He came with PSSI Deputy General Chair Zainudin Amali, South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru, and a number of executive committee members.

"This is our first point of review, to ensure infrastructure readiness ahead of U20, for Palembang. In addition, there are three stadiums prepared for training," Erick said in a statement received in Jakarta, Saturday, March 11, 2023.

The stadium is one of six stadiums that will be used to hold competitions from May 20 to June 11. Currently Gelora Sriwijaya is almost completing the feasibility requirements requested by FIFA so that it is ready for use.

The points being inspected are the field of play which includes grass, grass watering system, status system (drainase), seating arena, VIP Area, broadcast media, exit and entry access, command center, medical area, and others.

"Overall, the condition is good. However, there are indeed several notes that must be considered, such as repairing VIP rooms, room controls, and audience benches," said Erick.

This inspection was carried out to ensure that there was no shortage of majors in the venue before FIFA's visit on March 21-27. This is because the visit of the parent international football is final.

Therefore, if there is a big problem then it is possible to be crossed out by FIFA. If that happens then Indonesia as the organizer can be made a hassle because the number of match venues automatically decreases.

Erick also checked the readiness of electricity supply for the event which lasted three weeks. The PLN of the Main Distribution Unit of South Sumatra, Jambi, and Bengkulu (UID S2JB), will also be responsible for this electrical readiness.

"This U-20 world Cup is our moment to show that Indonesia can hold competitions with the best quality. Don't fail. We hope that every party involved can carry out their duties optimally," said Erick.

Gelora Sriwijaya Stadium, which was inaugurated in 2004, has held several large celebrations, both nationally and internationally. It is noted that this stadium was used to hold the 2004 National Sports Week, the 2007 Asian Cup, and the 2011 SEA Games.

The venue managed by the South Sumatra Provincial Government with a capacity of 30 thousand people is the headquarters of Liga 2 club Sriwijaya FC. The club is currently not playing in the caste behind the Indonesian League 1.