TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Bung Karno national stadium will continue to host the Group H matches of U-23 Asian Cup despite it also set to host British pop band concert One Direction on Wednesday, March 25. The Asian Cup match is scheduled only two days after the concert date.
The concert promoter Ismaya Live confirmed the venue after meeting with Youth and Sport Minister Imam Nachrowi on Thursday. The Brand Manager of Ismaya Live, Yudha, also assured that he will make sure the turf on the stadium will be ready for the soccer match.
“We have booked the stadium since April last year. It’s not possible for us to cancel it,” said Yudha.
“We will comply to the procedure.”
The Secretary General of Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI), Joko Driyono said in a separate occassion, that the Asian Football Confederation have also asked not to change the venue for the match.
“In short, AFC still want to conduct the match in Jakarta, which is the Bung Karno main stadium, considering the short time we have,” said Joko at PSSi office on Thursday.
“AFC have also no time to verify the other venues proposed by PSSI, such as those in Palembang, Solo, and Bali.”
“This decision also welcomed by PSSi, because there will be no need to change the venue.”
“We had reported to the AFC about the condition of the field. PSSI is ready to do extra work to make sure that the match is ready to be held on the 27th.”
The Director of Construction and Development of Bung Karno Stadium, Raja Parlindungan Pane, guarantees that the teams participating for the Asian Cup will be able to try out the stadium a day after the concert.
“Grass cover will be opened immediately after the concert, and we will water and plant the grass on the night and the next moring,” said Raja.
PSSI | ANGGA SUKMAWIJAYA
