Breakthroughs In The 2024 President's Cup Leading To The League

The opening match of the 2024 President's Cup between Persib vs PSM (Instagram/@persib).

JAKARTA - The 2024 President's Cup will officially open on Friday, July 19, 2024. President Joko Widodo was present at the opening which was held at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung Regency.

The sixth edition of the President's Cup gave birth to a number of breakthroughs. In addition to the increasing number of prizes, the use of video assistant referee (VAR), the number of foreign players is more, and the obligation to play players labeled the Indonesian national team is also implemented.

A number of breakthroughs are aimed at continuing to enter the competition. You see, what is applied in the 2024 Presidential Cup will also be used for the 2024/2025 league season, especially League 1.

"There are several breakthroughs as a bridge to next season's competition. Among other things, there are more (eight players), the use of VAR, and we want players from the Indonesian U-21 and U-23 national teams who are at the club to play more minutes," said Erick Thohir, Chairman of PSSI.

Meanwhile, the opening match of the 2024 Presidential Cup won the 2023/2024 League 1 Championship Series, Persib Bandung, against PSM Makassar, who is the winner of Liga 1 2022/2023.

The match was fierce. Maung Bandung managed to secure the first three points after winning two goals without reply.

The 2024 President's Cup will last until August 4, 2024. Eight players participated in this pre-season tournament.

There were two groups in the preliminary round. Group A is inhabited by Persib, PSM, Borneo FC, and Persis Solo where all the group matches are held at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium.

Then, Group B is filled with Bali United, Madura United, Persija Jakarta, and Arema which are played at the Captain I Wayan Dipta Stadium.

The eight teams won Rp5 billion in prizes. The semifinals and finals are planned to be held at the Manahan Stadium, Solo.

The chairman of PSSI further revealed that the presence of the 2024 President's Cup fronted by Maruarar Sirait as Chair of the Steering Committee had a positive impact on the Indonesian football ecosystem.

"As President Jokowi said, the more competitions the better for national football."

"The 2024 President's Cup tournament, which has been held six times, has tested positive for both players, clubs and supporters. The estuary, national football will also be more attractive," said Erick Thohir.