We already have a commitment or a government guarantee during the bidding in 2019. We will follow FIFA's standards.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy chairperson of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Zainudin Amali has emphasized that PSSI will abide by the Federation Internationale de Football Association’s (FIFA’s) decision regarding stadium selections for the U-20 World Cup in Indonesia.

"Of course, we want to be able to use the six stadiums. But if FIFA determines that some of the stadiums cannot be used, we will follow it," he said in Jakarta on Friday.

This is in line with a promise made by the Indonesian government before it launched its bid to host the World Cup, the former Minister of Youth and Sports added.

"We already have a commitment or a government guarantee during the bidding in 2019. We will follow FIFA's standards," he added.

The issue of problems related to the stadiums selected for hosting the U-20 World Cup in May came to the surface in the past week when PSSI chairperson Erick Thohir inspected all six stadiums: Jakabring Stadium (Palembang), Si Jalak Harupat Stadium (Bandung), Manahan Stadium (Solo), I Wayan Dipta Stadium (Gianyar, Bali), Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium (Surabaya), and Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (Jakarta).

Of the stadiums, Gelora Bung Karno Stadium was considered to be in need of repair, especially its grass field.

During a visit to Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on March 13, 2023, Thohir said that the stadium could no longer be used as a venue for any event, either sports or arts, prior to the U-20 World Cup in May–June.

"However, during our chairperson's visit to Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, the management promised us that the stadium will be returned to normal during FIFA's checking," Amali said.

He informed that FIFA will inspect the six stadiums from March 21–27. After the inspections, FIFA will decide whether the stadiums are suitable for holding the event or not.

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Translator: A Rauf Andar A, Resinta S
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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