Erick Thohir Claims FIFA Is Satisfied With 2023 U-17 World Cup Preparations In Indonesia

PSSI General Chairman, Erick Thohir (left) with FIFA representatives. (Photo: Doc. PSSI)

JAKARTA - PSSI General Chair, Erick Thohir, revealed that FIFA is satisfied with the preparations made by Indonesia to hold the U-17 World Cup. The most prestigious youth football agenda will be held in four cities in the country from 10 November to 2 December.

Erick Thohir said that FIFA's level of satisfaction includes all facilities and infrastructure for players. Even the world football federation said that the venues provided in Indonesia have above average standards.

"FIFA sees that our (venue) standards are above the standards of the organizers hosting the U-17 World Cup usually. This is what FIFA conveyed, you know, not me," said Erick Thohir after a press conference at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta on Tuesday, 10 October.

"The standards include hotel facilities, food, transportation, training, stadiums, so all of them are rated above average. We are all optimistic that this will go well. We just have to maintain the grass this month to the maximum, due to weather constraints. But we everyone is optimistic," he continued.

Regarding the use of grass, the man who also serves as Minister of State-Owned Enterprises said that the field at the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) will use grass from Pelita Harapan University (UPH) and also Dewa United which is of good quality.

"Yesterday I received a report from JIS that the grass will use UPH and it has started to be installed. We are also waiting for additional grass if needed, which is at Dewa United's grass nursery. I checked yesterday and the grass is good," he explained.

After the process of preparing facilities and infrastructure which received FIFA recognition, overall Erick Thohir revealed that Indonesia's readiness to host the U-17 World Cup had reached 90 percent.

"Thank God, I ensure that the preparations (for the U-17 World Cup) are going well. I saw yesterday the results of direct monitoring and reports. I also monitored it after meeting yesterday with the Minister of Youth and Sports and regional leaders such as governors, mayors and regents to ensure that preparations in each city or province it can be maximized," said Erick.

Apart from these preparations, Erick Thohir reminded that currently Indonesia as the host still has homework related to audience participation. In order to attract high public interest, promotions will be further increased by the organizers.

"But again, (the readiness now) is how we encourage the arrival of spectators for each match. That is our homework together," said Erick.