Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Chairperson of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir, and the Youth and Sports Minister, Dito Ariotedjo, held a meeting in Jakarta on Friday to discuss important matters concerning the preparations for hosting the 2023 U-17 World Cup.

Thohir highlighted the significance of closely attending to the administrative process during the meeting.

He said that Ariotedjo plans to propose a closed meeting with President Joko Widodo in the upcoming week to discuss various aspects, including the budget for the preparations required for the international tournament.

Thohir added that PSSI and the Ministry of Youth and Sports will coordinate the budget for the U-17 World Cup, which will be quite similar to the budget planned for the canceled U-20 World Cup in Indonesia.

Another point of discussion between Thohir and Ariotedjo was related to the outcomes of the meeting between PSSI and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

Thohir disclosed that four to eight stadiums have been given priority and will be proposed as venues for the junior-level World Cup, with FIFA representatives visiting Indonesia to make the final selections.

"While we will prioritize the stadiums previously chosen for the canceled U-20 World Cup, it's important to note that the condition of the stadiums may have changed," Thohir explained.

Earlier, FIFA had approved six stadiums as suitable venues for the U-20 World Cup, namely Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta, Gelora Sriwijaya Jakabaring in Palembang, Si Jalak Harupat in Bandung, Manahan in Solo, Gelora Bung Tomo in Surabaya, and Kapten I Wayan Dipta in Bali.

The third point discussed during the meeting was the ministry's support for PSSI's preparation programs for Indonesia's junior national football team in upcoming competitions.

"I sought the support of the Minister for our preparation programs," Thohir stated.

Thohir further explained that he briefed Ariotedjo about the programs and clarified that PSSI has developed several plans for the short, medium, and long terms.

"The U-17 team will likely undergo a short-term program. However, we will optimize the player selection process as this team is expected to serve as the foundation for the U-20 team, aiming to qualify for the 2025 U-20 World Cup," he elaborated.

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Translator: Muhammad Ramdan, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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