TEMPO.CO, Palembang - Head of the National Football Association Erick Thohir commended South Sumatra's preparations in hosting the coming Indonesian U-20 World Cup that will kick off in May.

Thohir made the statement on Saturday after reviewing all venues in the Jakabaring Sport City, Jakabaring, Palembang, South Sumatra, with his entourage comprising Deputy Head of the National Football Association Zainudin Amali and officials from the Public Works and Public Housing Ministry.

"After the review, well, it is reportedly good. The Public Works and Public Housing Ministry gives utmost support, and the governor ensures that this is ready (to host the competition)," he noted.

He made assurance of FIFA's recommendations for the three fields in Jakabaring Sport City Complex having been met, such as additional VIP rooms and stadium lightings at the athletic field, archery field, and baseball field, as well as in the main stadium, Gelora Sriwijaya.

However, he noted that some minor aspects still need to be addressed in each field, such as to cover the perimeter with black fabric, as the area is an open field.

Another step that was necessitated in the near future as per FIFA's recommendation was to partially remove the fence in front of the VIP area in the tribune of the Gelora Sriwijaya Main Stadium.

According to information from the South Sumatra Housing and Area Office, the renovation process is targeted to be completed in April, and currently, the work is 73-percent complete.

"Overall, it is already good. It is only FIFA's (decision) to say whether it is good or not. The FIFA team will come from March 21 to March 27. It is very final, and there is no more negotiation. We expect that the expanse of the stadium is not reduced," Thohir added.

The 2023 U-20 World Cup, which will take place in Indonesia on May 20 to June 11, will be hosted in six stadiums: Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, Manahan Stadium in Solo, Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium Surabaya, Jakabaring Gelora Sriwijaya Stadium in Palembang, and I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Bali.

In each city, four training fields have been set up according to plan. The stadium and the supporters will be audited by FIFA on March 21-27. They will be removed from the list if they do not make it in the audit.

Currently, 20 of the total 24 countries that will compete in the U-20 World Cup are Indonesia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, the United States, Fiji, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, New Zealand, Britain, France, Israel, Italy, Slovakia, Gambia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tunisia.

ANTARA

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