After Meeting President Jokowi, PSSI Chairman Ensures East Java Derby Remains At Gelora Bung Tomo

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

JAKARTA - Good news for Persebaya supporters in Surabaya. The East Java Derbi match between Persebaya and Arema FC on September 23, will still be held at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium.

There were concerns that among supporters the prestige-laden match would be moved to another stadium. The reason is, Gelora Bung Tomo is being prepared to face the 2023 U-17 World Cup, next November.

However, the Chairman of PSSI, Erick Thohir, has stated that the Persebaya versus Arema FC match will still be held at the pride stadium of the people of Surabaya. He conveyed this after meeting with President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the State Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday, September 20.

"It broke up yesterday. I have called Pak Basuki (Hadimuljono, Minister of PUPR), and PT Liga," Erick said on the official PSSI website.

"Of course please use it for Bonek, but I hope it will also be maintained because this facility will be used for the U-17 World Cup," he continued.

Erick said GBT together with JIS, Manahan Stadium, and Jalak Harupat were preparing to host the U-17 World Cup. Indonesia must ensure that the four venues are in accordance with the standards desired by FIFA for the U-17 World Cup.

The SOE minister revealed that a joint decision was taken that the repair of Gelora Bung Tomo, which should have been held on September 23, was postponed by one day.

"So 24 (September) cannot be used, including in all other places that are the hosts," concluded Erick Thohir.