Prabowo's Moment Kicked The Ball When He Met FIFA President In Paris

JAKARTA - FIFA President Gianni Infantino met with President-elect Prabowo Subianto in Paris, France, Saturday, July 27 local time. The two discussed the extensive increase in football cooperation between FIFA and PSSI.

"We discussed the fantastic FIFA work relationship with Indonesia and PSSI, as well as the fantastic progress this beautiful country has made in recent times. We have also discussed increasing the popularity of football among youth," Infantino said on the official FIFA website on Sunday, July 28.

During the meeting, it was tucked away when Prabowo kicked a red and blue ball at the FIFA office in Paris. When the General Chair of the Gerindra Party kicked the skin, Infantino seemed encouraging.

The Minister of Youth and Sports of Indonesia (Menpora) Dito Ariotedjo, who took part in this visit to the President of FIFA, was seen behind Infantino smiling. Meanwhile, PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir did not want to miss capturing the moment with his white cellphone.

Furthermore, Infantino admitted that he was honored with Indonesia's warm welcome and success when it hosted the U-17 World Cup, the first FIFA tournament to be held in the country.

Indonesia hosted a fantastic U-17 World Cup FIFA last year and everyone who visited, including me, was fascinated by its warmth and hospitality. It is clear that Indonesians live and breathe in football," said Infantino.

At the opening of the 2023 U-17 World Cup, FIFA and Erick Thohir inaugurated the new FIFA regional office in Jakarta and signed a memorandum of understanding.

In the important agreement, the safety and security of the stadium was set as the main pillar in the transformation of Indonesian football. As part of the initiative, a special team from FIFA visited eight stadiums in four provinces in the period 20-25 May 2024.

In addition, the FIFA Forward Program also funded the construction of the first PSSI National Training Center in the capital city of Nusantara (IKN). The National Training Center will include the construction of a field with natural grass, synthetic grass fields, dormitories, and changing rooms.

"I convey to the President-elect Prabowo that he can rely on FIFA to help Indonesia realize its great football potential and I hope to work with him in the future," said Infantino.