"Today, the executive committee of PSSI has decided to establish an ad hoc supporter committee because supporters are a part of our football development as well. Meanwhile, we also plan to form an ad hoc infrastructure committee to build a training center for our national team," Thohir informed in Jakarta on Saturday.
The decision to establish the ad hoc supporter committee is related to the clash that broke out between PSIS supporters and police outside Jatidiri Stadium in Semarang, Central Java, on Friday (February 17, 2023), he explained.
At the time, the police shot tear gas to disperse fans who forced their way into the stadium even though the match was conducted without spectators.
The incident was a reminder of the tragedy at Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang, in October 2022, when police fired tear gas, causing Arema FC supporters to flee the stadium. The ensuing stampede claimed 135 lives.
"The Kanjuruhan incident is not the last, it could happen again. For example, the incident at Jatidiri Stadium. We must investigate it and make sure that the supporters can go home safely. If supporters want to be part of our football transformation, they must be responsible," Thohir said.
Regarding the ad hoc infrastructure committee, he informed that next week, the association will send a team to conduct a land survey to select a potential location for the national team training center.
He said that the training center is part of a shared commitment to develop national football.
"The financing will not only come from the International Federation of the Football Association (FIFA). We will try other financing mechanisms," Thohir informed.
In addition, a member of the PSSI’s executive committee (Exco), Arya Sinulingga, said that Thohir will appoint members to the ad hoc supporter and infrastructure committees.
"The ad hoc committee members will consist of some PSSI Exco members," he informed.
The two ad hoc committees will be an addition to the 14 permanent committees of PSSI.
Based on its statutes, the association has 14 permanent committees: finance committee, competition committee, technical and development committee, referee committee, legal committee, women's football committee, youth development committee, futsal committee, medical committee, player status committee, fair play games and social responsibility committee, media committee, football committee, and safety committee.
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Translator: Michael Siahaan, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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