The standard operating procedure (SOP) implemented at the stadium at the time must be evaluated.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali has asked all stakeholders involved in the implementation of the 2022 Indonesia President’s Cup to investigate the deaths of two football fans at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api (GBLA) Stadium.

The stakeholders include the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) and the organizer of the President’s Cup, PT Liga Indonesia Baru (LIB).

"The standard operating procedure (SOP) implemented at the stadium at the time must be evaluated. The government will wait for the official report from PSSI and PT LIB,” the minister said, according to an official statement received here on Saturday.

Considering that there are still a number of matches scheduled, the readiness of the regional committee for every match must be ensured, Amali added.

The victims, who are believed to be fans of the Persib Bandung soccer club, reportedly died due to overcrowding at the stadium on Friday (June 17, 2022) when the club was playing against Persebaya Surabaya.

The minister also asked PSSI and PT LIB to ensure the safety of spectators during the group stage matches of the President’s Cup at three other stadiums, namely Manahan Stadium (Solo City, Central Java Province), Segiri Stadium (Samarinda City, East Kalimantan Province), and Kanjuruhan Stadium (Malang District, East Java Province).

Furthermore, he expressed his deep condolences over the fans’ deaths and concern over the incident, especially since the pre-season tournament is the first tournament to allow spectators in the past two years.

Meanwhile, PSSI said that its disciplinary committee will investigate the incident.

Chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee of PSSI Erwin informed that the police have, in fact, determined the maximum capacity of GBLA Stadium for the tournament to be 15 thousand.

However, PSSI suspects that the number of supporters at the stadium during the match was higher than regulations allowed.

According to reports from the tournament committee, the two supporters died after they were stepped on due to the crowded situation, PSSI noted.

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Translator: Michael Siahaan, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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