TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) President Gianni Infantino had met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in Bangkok, discussing the U-20 World Cup 2021, Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali said. "FIFA wants to congratulate the President on the election of Indonesia as the host for the U-20 World Cup 2021," Amali said in Jakarta on Saturday.
At the meeting, President Jokowi convinced the world soccer governing body that football is one of favorite sports in Indonesia.
He learned of the planned meeting between Infantino and Jokowi from Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi who is in Bangkok accompanying the president during the 35th ASEAN Summit, he said.
President Jokowi and First Lady Iriana arrived in Bangkok Saturday to attend the Summit from November 2 to 4.
FIFA chose Indonesia as the host of the U-20 World Cup 2021 after besting Brazil and Peru.
Indonesia is the second Southeast Asian country to host the event after Malaysia in 1997 when the tournament was called FIFA World Youth Championship.
As the host, Indonesia will automatically compete in the U-20 World Cup. This will be the country's first participation in the tournament.
