"On Monday morning, I met President Jokowi and he received my resignation letter. I was allowed to step down from my position as Youth and Sports Minister," he informed while accompanying chairperson of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir, during his visit to Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya, East Java, the same day.
Amali, who is currently serving as the deputy chairperson of PSSI, said that he resigned from his ministerial post to focus on managing Indonesian football with Thohir.
"I will concentrate and focus on managing PSSI. As of today, I beg people will stop asking more questions about my position as Youth and Sports Minister," he added.
He said that he has received a number of directives from the President in his new role as deputy PSSI chairperson, including on developing the quality of Indonesian football.
Amali said he is ready to fulfill the President's wishes.
"President Jokowi asked me to take care of Indonesian football. I wholeheartedly will support our football because my passion is in football," he remarked.
President Jokowi has appointed Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Muhadjir Effendy, as acting Minister of Youth and Sports.
"The permanent replacement will be decided soon. For now, Minister Effendy will temporarily fill the position," Jokowi said.
PSSI conducted an inspection at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium (GBT) to ensure its readiness for hosting the U-20 World Cup matches, which will be held from May 20 to June 11, 2023.
There are six stadiums that have been proposed as venues for the matches: Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (Jakarta), I Wayan Dipta Stadium (Bali), Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium (Surabaya), Si Jalak Harupat Stadium (Bandung), Jakabaring Stadium (Palembang), and Manahan Stadium (Solo).
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Translator: Abdul H/Ananto P, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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