President of the world’s soccer governing body (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, and Indonesia’s President-elect Prabowo Subianto discussed the future soccer development in Indonesia during a meeting in Paris on Saturday, July 27, 2024, highlighting continued cooperation between FIFA and the Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI).
Prabowo was accompanied in the meeting by PSSI chairman Erick Thohir and Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo.
On the occasion, Infantino congratulated Prabowo on his electoral victory and emphasized the strong relationship between FIFA and Indonesia, praising the country’s progress in soccer development.
He highlighted the successful hosting of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, noting the warm hospitality and passion for soccer among Indonesians.
Infantino reiterated FIFA’s commitment to supporting growth of Indonesian soccer, recognizing the country’s significant potential in the sport.
He assured Prabowo of FIFA’s continued assistance in fostering this potential.
During the opening of the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, Infantino and Thohir inaugurated a new FIFA regional office in Jakarta and signed a memorandum of understanding.
This agreement focuses on improving stadium safety and security as a key element in the transformation of Indonesian football.
As part of these initiatives, a special FIFA team visited eight stadiums across four provinces in Indonesia between May 20-25, 2024.
The FIFA Forward program has also funded the construction of PSSI’s first national training center in the new capital city Nusantara (IKN). This facility, which includes natural and synthetic turf fields, dormitories, and locker rooms, is set to be inaugurated in August 2024.
