CEO of the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF), Ashley Hammond, praised the preparation and confirmed that all venues were ready.
Matches will be held at Sriwedari Stadium, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Stadium, and Kota Barat Field, which will also serve as a training ground.
“This is the third IFCPF event this year after the European Championship in the U.K. and Copa America in Uruguay. We expect the championship in Indonesia to run smoothly,” Hammond said in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.
Since arriving in Solo, Hammond said he was impressed by the coordination and thoroughness of local organizers.
“When I left the airport, I could smile because Indonesia is hosting this event very well. Every meeting with the committee produces results. We hope this becomes a world-class event,” he said.
IFCPF Technical Delegate Sam Turner also praised the facilities, noting the historical significance of Sriwedari Stadium, which hosted multi-sport events for disabled athletes in Asia-Pacific in 1986.
“Sriwedari has a strong heritage. We hope the opening and closing ceremonies will be spectacular there,” Turner said.
Seven countries will compete: Indonesia, Australia, Japan, Iran, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand. The top two teams will earn automatic qualification for the 2026 IFCPF World Cup in the United States.
Indonesia is in Group A with Australia and Japan, while Group B features Iran, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Iran enters as the 2024 champion and top seed, while Australia ranks as the second seed at 12th in the world.
Related news: Indonesia aims for top 4 finish at IFCPF Asia-Oceania Cup 2025
Translator: M.Ramdan, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Arie Novarina
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
