FIFA Praises Indonesia's U-17 World Cup 2023, Erick Thohir: Alhamdulillah And Thank You

PSSI General Chair Erik Thohir (right) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. (PSSI Media)

SOLO - FIFA praised Indonesia for its success in hosting the U-17 World Cup. Although this is the first time holding the main FIFA tournament, Indonesia has actually proven to be able to succeed as a participant and host.

This was proven by the actions of the Indonesian U-17 national team which was able to compete with the top countries of world football such as Ecuador U-17, Morocco U-17, and Panama U-17.

In terms of implementation, FIFA praised the quality of Indonesia as the host who has world-class facilities and services. The result of the World Cup match which officially ended on Saturday, December 2023 was also seen as very good for FIFA in all sectors.

Chairman of the Indonesian U-17 World Cup Committee who is also PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir thanked all parties who had succeeded in this junior World Cup. Erick said he was proud and touched by the appreciation of FIFA and the world of football in Indonesia.

"Alhamdulillah and thank you to all those who have helped organize the U-17 World Cup," Erick said in his statement.

"This once again proves that when this country works together, works together, and forgets all differences, then Indonesia can compete with any country in the world. Once again, thank you and Alhamdulillah," he said.

In particular, Erick thanked the Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) for being the motor behind the success of organizing the U-17 World Cup.

President Jokowi, said Erick, gave full support by encouraging all stakeholders to be involved in the success of Indonesia's U-17 World Cup.

"Thanks specifically to Mr. President Jokowi who from the start encouraged all government officials at the center and regions to be involved in the success of the U-17 World Cup," he said.

"Thanks to the great work led directly by the President, Alhamdulillah, the world appreciates us. This is certainly a historical record that will be remembered by our children and grandchildren," said the Minister of SOEs further.

Erick also thanked FIFA President Gianni Infantino for being actively involved in providing assistance to Indonesia so that he could successfully organize the World Cup for the first time in this country.

According to Erick, FIFA has proven its full commitment so that football can be enjoyed by all, including in Indonesia.

"Our gratitude and respect to FIFA, in this case my friend President Gianni Infantino, who has given us the trust and at the same time provided a lot of assistance to be able to organize the U-17 World Cup for the first time," said Erick.

Erick did not forget to thank the regional heads and their staff.

"To the Governor of West Java, the Mayor of Bandung, the Provincial Government of DKI, East Java as well as the Mayor of Surabaya, the Central Java Provincial Government, and also the Mayor of Solo who has been extraordinarily working hard with all his staff and providing the best service," he added.

"I congratulate and thank you for your big role behind the success of the U-17 World Cup," said Erick.

To all PSSI administrators and the committee who have worked hard in the success of the Erick World Cup, they also gave special appreciation.

Starting from the committee in the central, regional structures, security officers, field officers, drivers, to cleaners.

Erick is also grateful for the extraordinary contribution of the Indonesian people and national football supporters who are one of the main actors in the success of the Indonesian U-17 World Cup.

"Once again congratulations and infinite thanks, all of your hard work has made a proud history," said Erick.

Erick also apologized if during the U-17 World Cup there were shortcomings.

"As chairman, I apologize if throughout the U-17 World Cup this time there are one and another things that are still lacking," he said.