2023 U-17 World Cup: JIS Continues To Improve To Fulfill FIFA Requirements

Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) in North Jakarta. (Photo via ANTARA)

JAKARTA Repairs to the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) continue to be accelerated. Grass and entry access are the main focus.

JIS is one of four stadiums to be used for the U-17 World Cup which will take place in Indonesia from November 10, 2023 to December 2, 2023.

Apart from JIS, three other stadiums that will be used for the 2023 U-17 World Cup are Manahan Solo Stadium (Surakarta), Gelora Bung Tomo (Surabaya), and Si Jalak Harupat (Bandung).

"Regarding the repair of grass and access to the stadium because the time is very tight, this work is carried out involving cross-agency and international partners who are usually involved in a number of FIFA agendas," said PSSI Executive Committee Member Arya Sinulingga, quoted on the PSSI website.

When compared to the other three stadiums, JIS does need basic improvements. This is because previously this stadium had never been used at the national and international levels.

Meanwhile, the other three stadiums are stadiums that have previously been prepared to welcome the 2023 U-20 World Cup which was then canceled.

To catch up with time, PSSI is working with the Ministry of PUPR and the Provincial Government of Jakarta to catch up. In addition, FIFA has appointed consultants from Australia to repair stadium grass.

"If we look at the three other stadiums, improvements have actually been made to both grass and other facilities during the preparation period for the last U-20 World Cup. Even the grass repairs use machines imported by FIFA from England," said Arya.

A total of 24 countries will participate in the 2023 U-17 World Cup later. They will be divided into six groups in the preliminary phase.

Champions and group runners up automatically qualify for the round of 16. They will be accompanied by four teams with the best three positions.