VAR Devices Will Be Installed At Six 2023 U20 World Cup Arena Stadiums In Indonesia

Illustration - Utilization of VAR technology in Premier League competitions, which will also be used in the 2023 U20 World Cup in Indonesia. (premierleague.com)

PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir has opened the possibility of buying VAR (video assistant referee) devices that will be installed by FIFA in six stadiums for the 2023 U20 World Cup match arena in Indonesia.

According to Erick, when met after reviewing the readiness of the Captain I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Gianyar, Bali, Sunday, the installation of VAR by FIFA for the U20 World Cup became an opportunity for Indonesia to complete the facilities for several of its main stadiums.

FIFA will install VAR in six stadiums. That's what we've been waiting for, who knows the fortune of pious children, if VAR is already installed, who knows we can buy it directly, rather than being removed, then buy it again, install it again, but if we can," said Erick Thohir in response to reporters' questions.

However, he has not been able to mention the schedule for installing VAR by FIFA, considering that FIFA representatives will only come to Indonesia on March 21 to check the readiness for the U20 World Cup on May 20, 2023, June 11, 2023.

"Wait for them to come later," said PSSI Chairman.

Representatives from FIFA are scheduled to directly check the preparations for the U20 World Cup in six stadiums on March 21, 2023. The six stadiums that will be visited by FIFA, namely Jakabaring Stadium in Palembang, Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, Manahan Stadium in Solo, Captain I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Gianyar, Bali, Gelora Bung Tomo in Surabaya, and Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta.

"If you go to Bali, FIFA is scheduled to come on 26'27," said Erick Thohir as quoted by Antara.

So far, no football stadiums in Indonesia have used VAR facilities, including for professional competitions such as Liga 1.

Erick Thohir last month said that the use of VAR has not become PSSI's priority, considering that there are other sectors that need to be prioritized, one of which is referee welfare.