FIFA-AFC Prioritizes Indonesian League Security-United-World Cup Of U-20 In The Aftermath Of A Conflict Of Tragedy

FIFA representative Niko Nhouvansak (second from the left). (photo via between) (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - FIFA and AFC prioritize the security certainty of the implementation of football leagues in Indonesia and the U-20 2023 World Cup following the directed tragedy that occurred earlier this month, said the Coordinator of the FIFA Development Project Niko Nhouvannak.

"For this reason, we continue to hold meetings (with AFC, PSSI and the Indonesian government-ed) to produce action plans with a concrete timeflow," Niko said at a press conference in the Gelora Bung Karno area, Jakarta, Wednesday, quoted by Antara.

Niko expressed his condolences and concerns about the Kanjuruhan Tragedy on October 1, which has so far killed 132 people and hundreds more are still being treated in hospital.

According to Niko, FIFA does not want similar incidents to repeat in any region around the world. That is why the world football authorities sent representatives to Indonesia to coordinate with PSSI and the government.

FIFA also assigned its experts such as the Head of the FIFA Stadium Security and Safety Consultant Serge Dumotier to evaluate stadiums in Indonesia, especially those that will be used for the U-20 World Cup next year.

FIFA experts were also accompanied by experienced figures from AFC, such as AFC's Head of Security and Safety Brian Johnson and Deputy Chair of the AFC Security and Safety Task Force Datuk Dell Akbar Khan.

"We, AFC and PSSI work together and have solidarity with the Indonesian government so that people here can return to enjoy football in the best possible way," said Niko.

Niko and other FIFA representatives, namely Chen Jun and Dumotier, have met PSSI since last Tuesday to coordinate the Kanjuruhan Tragedy.

Meanwhile, the AFC representative led by the Deputy Secretary General of AFC Shin Mon Gil met PSSI today.

The Indonesian League 1, 2 and 3 were temporarily suspended by PSSI and LIB, based on recommendations from the Joint Independent Team for Fact Findings (TGIPF) for the Development Tragedy formed by the government and chaired by the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menkopolhukam) RI Mahfud MD.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian government stated that it would form an Indonesian Football Transformation Team with AFC and FIFA in the aftermath of the Judicial Tragedy.