We will give it to the Palestinian people, who are still struggling (to realize their independence) today, as Indonesia has long believed that independence is the right of all nations.
Surabaya, E Java (ANTARA) - Chairperson of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir visited the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium (GBT), here on Tuesday, to review preparations for the holding of a friendly match between Indonesia and Palestine.

Thohir monitored preparations for the match as well as progress in the renovation of the stadium along with Mayor of Surabaya Eri Cahyadi as well as some PSSI executive committees.

The match is scheduled to be held at the stadium on June 14, 2023.

The PSSI head assessed that results of the renovation are good and met the Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s (FIFA’s) standards, so now, the stadium has become one of the best in Indonesia.

"Praise be to God, everything (the renovation) has been completed, which means it (the stadium) has complied with FIFA standards,” he remarked.

Thohir also lauded preparations of the Surabaya City Government to host the Indonesian national soccer team’s match against Palestine.

The match is important for Indonesia to secure more points to improve its ranking, he noted.

According to FIFA’s website, Indonesia is currently at the 149th position, while Palestine is at the 93rd position in the FIFA men’s team ranking.

Furthermore, the PSSI chairperson stated that his side and the local government had agreed to donate 10 percent of the ticket sales for Palestinian people, thereby reflecting the friendship between both nations.

"We will give it to Palestinian people, who are still struggling (to realize their independence) today, as Indonesia has long believed that independence is the right of all nations," he remarked.

Thohir expected that the Surabaya City Government will continue to support his side to maintain the GBT Stadium according to the FIFA standards.

"Furthermore, I ask the supporters to maintain order and become a good host. It is important since FIFA is still monitoring our readiness in implementing soccer matches (after the Kanjuruhan Stampede). Hence, do not show any exaggerated euphoria (while watching a match)," he added.

Executive Committee of PSSI Arya Sinulingga announced here on Tuesday that prices of the tickets of the Indonesia vs Palestine match are Rp100 thousand (US$6.5) for economy class and Rp250 thousand (US$16.25) for VIP class.

Tickets sales will commence on June 7, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Standard Time (WIB) at PSSI’s official website and ticket.com. The organizing committee will ready 40 thousand tickets for the match.

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Translator: Abdul H, Naufal I, Uyu L
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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