Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto Meets FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Paris, Discusses Football Cooperation

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Paris. The two discussed FIFA's extensive football cooperation with the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI).

Indonesian Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo and PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir attended the meeting held in the French capital. Infantino revealed his meeting with Prabowo on the official FIFA website on Sunday, July 28, 2024.

"We discussed FIFA's fantastic working relationship with Indonesia and PSSI, as well as the fantastic progress made by this beautiful country in recent times. We also discussed the increasing popularity of football among young people," said Infantino.

He also mentioned the 2023 U-17 World Cup, the first FIFA tournament held in Indonesia. He praised Indonesia's warm welcome and success as a host.

"Indonesia was a fantastic host for the FIFA U-17 World Cup last year and everyone who visited, including me, was amazed by the warmth and hospitality. It is clear that Indonesians live and breathe football," said Infantino.

At the opening of the 2023 U-17 World Cup, the FIFA President and Erick Thohir inaugurated FIFA's new regional office in Jakarta and signed a memorandum of understanding.

In the important agreement, stadium safety and security were established as key pillars in the transformation of Indonesian football. As part of the initiative, a special FIFA team visited eight stadiums in four provinces between May 20 and 25, 2024.

In addition, the FIFA Forward Programme is funding the construction of PSSI's first National Training Centre in Indonesia's new capital, the Nusantara Capital City (IKN). The National Training Centre will include the construction of a natural grass pitch, a synthetic grass pitch, dormitories and changing rooms.

"I told President-elect Prabowo that he can count on FIFA to help Indonesia realise its great football potential and I look forward to working with him in the future," Infantino said.

ANTARA

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