Erick Thohir to Give National U22 Football Team a Chance to Play at Asian Games

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - PSSI chairman Erick Thohir will give the Indonesian U-22 national team squad the opportunity to appear at the Asian Games that will roll out this year. The SOE Minister said that the event can provide experience to young players.

Speaking to reporters at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Senayan, Friday, Erick said that he wanted to "give coach Indra Sjafri and the SEA Games players the opportunity to [appear] at the Asian Games."

This year, the Indonesian national football team will face a number of agenda items, the closest being the Asian Games. Asia's quadrennial multi-sport games was supposed to be held last year, but was pushed back to September - October 2023.

After that, there are the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in October and November 2023. Next, the 2023 Qatar Asian Cup in January - February 2024. Erick plans to assign Indra Sjafri and Shin Tae-yong as managers of the Indonesian national team in these various events.

Erick reminded the players not to be complacent after the victory in the SEA Games recently, beating reigning champ Thailand. The win, which was marred by fights between officials and players of the two teams, ended Indonesia's long wait of 32 years since the team last won the SEA Games football gold in 1991 in Manila, Philippines.

RANDY FAUZI FEBRIANSYAH

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