PSSI Chair Erick Thohir Talks of Bid for 2034 World Cup
Translator
Editor
1 April 2023 01:31 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Chairman Erick Thohir stated that he does not want to think too far about the opportunity for Indonesia to bid to host the 2034 World Cup. At present, he is focused on solving issues rising after FIFA stripped Indonesia of hosting rights for the 2023 U-20 World Cup.
“I think today we shouldn't think too far into the dreams of 2034, there will be a World Cup, and there will be the Olympics, which are conveyed previously at the G20 [in Bali] between IOC President Thomas Bach and Indonesia,” said Erick at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, on Friday, March 31, after a meeting with President Joko Jokowi Widodo.
Erick said that PSSI is striving to avoid FIFA sanctions. “That [bidding for the 2034 World Cup] is something that I don't think is a priority at this time,” said the State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Minister.
According to him, PSSI will complete what President Jokowi asked to the federation. First, the formulation of a blue map for the transformation of Indonesian football. Secondly, PSSI will immediately re-negotiate with FIFA on possible sanctions.
On March 29, FIFA decided to remove Indonesia as the host for the 2023 U-20 World Cup. The removal of the host status practically made Indonesia ineligible to participate in the tournament because it failed to obtain tickets via the qualifying route since the national team was defeated to reach the top four of the 2023 U-20 Asian Cup.
ANTARA
Editor's choice: Erick Thohir Explains FIFA's Reasons Removing Indonesia as U-20 World Cup Host
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo in Google News