Erick Thohir's Hope After Giani Infantino Is Re-elected As FIFA President: Equitable Football Development

PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir (right) with FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, at the 2023 FIFA Congress. (Photo: Doc. PSSI)

JAKARTA - PSSI General Chairperson (Ketum) Erick Thohir welcomed the re-elect of Gianni Infantino as President of FIFA for the 2023/2027 period. In addition to congratulating him, Erick Thohir also expressed his hope that Infantino would be able to help revive Indonesian football.

"I congratulate you on the re-elect as FIFA President. We hope that football's development will be more evenly distributed throughout the country, including Indonesia," said Erick Thohir in his statement quoted on Friday, March 17.

Infantino, who has served as President of FIFA since 2016, was re-elected through the FIFA Congress in Kigali, Rwanda on Thursday, March 16. The Swiss man received 100 percent of the votes from members in the congress.

When Infantino was named President of FIFA again, Erick Thohir, who was also present at the congress, said Infantino was an important figure in helping Indonesian football.

Erick Thohir said, Infantino has paid full attention to Indonesian football to rise and be better in the future. He also helped national football get out of the dark times as a result of the Kanjuruhan tragedy.

"The President of FIFA has even come directly to meet the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo and is committed to assisting the development of Indonesian football."

Previously, Gianni also had time to congratulate Erick who was elected as PSSI General Chair. In a letter dated February 18, 2023, Gianni has full confidence in the capacity of Erick Thohir.