FIFA Reviewing Solo Stadium August 26, Gibran: Inspection Focuses On Grass

Solo's Manahan Stadium, one of the venues for the 2023 U-17 World Cup. (Photo via Antara)

SOLO - The International Football Federation (FIFA) will review Solo's Manahan Stadium, one of the venues for the 2023 U-17 World Cup. FIFA representatives visit is scheduled for August 26.

The Mayor of Solo, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, said this review was to ensure the readiness of the Manahan Stadium to hold the U-17 World Cup.

"FIFA will again conduct a review in Solo City on August 26 regarding the readiness of the Manahan Stadium as the U-17 World Cup arena," said Gibran.

The Solo City Government has reportedly started to make preparations regarding the FIFA agenda. One of them is by cutting the grass of the Manahan Stadium as a form of maintenance.

Gibran then explained that the grass at the Manahan Stadium had been cut before the Liga 1 match between Persis Solo and Bali United. The eldest son of President Joko Widodo ensured that the stadium grass conditions were not damaged.

He said, if the grass is not cut, it will grow longer when FIFA comes to Solo. "So, it must be cut so that during the examination the reflection of the ball will be as expected," explained Gibran.

The mayor of Solo emphasized that the inspection will focus on grass conditions because it is very crucial.

In addition, sterilization will also be carried out in supporting fields in the near future. This supporting field will later be used as a training ground for U-17 World Cup participants.

Gibran ensured the local government's commitment to prepare everything needed for the U-17 World Cup. The Solo City Government has prepared a budget for the implementation of activities according to PSSI's direction.

"We will also immediately close the street vendor (PKL) of the Manahan shelter. The concept is a temporary closure, just like at the U-20 World Cup yesterday," he said.