Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir (left) met FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Doha, Qatar, Wednesday (5/10/2022). Photo: BUMN.
JAKARTA, JAKTIMES.COM – The commitment of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to assist in the development of Indonesian football is being realized with a funding allocation of USD 7.3 million.
“FIFA has allocated approximately USD 7.3 million, making it an extraordinary facility. There are five football fields, one beach soccer field, one futsal field, and they will also be supported by sports science facilities and adequate resting places,” said Erick Thohir, Chairman of the All Indonesia Football Association (PSSI), in his statement at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Monday (06/05/2023).
Erick expressed that the government continues to support the development of Indonesian football through the implementation of sports science, infrastructure development, as well as long-term and sustainable programs.
“First, we will implement sports science. Secondly, infrastructure development, including one of the training camps in IKN (Nusantara Capital), where the government provides land and builds basic infrastructure,” he explained.
Erick stated that these efforts can be carried out with the support of FIFA, which cares about Indonesian football. He mentioned that FIFA has allocated approximately USD 7.3 million.
Erick said that the government will establish sustainable programs for young players in the Indonesian national football team, such as the U-16 and U-17 players who will be prepared to compete in the U-20 and U-22 matches.
“For the U-20 and U-22 teams, we have prioritized them under Coach Indra to participate in the ASIAN Games as an appreciation and a test of their courage. Some of the U-20 and U-22 players who do not have clubs will join the Bhayangkara club as part of the national youth team’s sustainability program,” Erick said.
Erick stated that the government will also support long-term programs for the development of football in Indonesia.
“Earlier, I took the liberty to announce the long-term program. PSSI will also find its own funding, but fortunately, President and the Minister of Youth and Sports also participated in building this long-term football program,” he concluded (Wan).
