In an official statement released on Thursday FIFA announced that it will continue to support the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI), its Chairman Erick Thohir and the government of President Joko Widodo in their ambition to transform Indonesian football. The discussions followed FIFA’s decision to remove Indonesia as host of the U-20 World Cup 2023 after the country experienced internal protests at the participation of Israel.
The guarantee comes after PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir held a successful meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Paris on Thursday morning, following a previous meeting in Qatar. FIFA stated that ‘President Thohir used the opportunity to present the first draft of the strategic plan for Indonesian football’.
It was also announced that FIFA Administration, as a sanction, had provisionally recommended a restriction on the use of FIFA Forward funds until further notice and would now thoroughly assess the strategic plan before lifting the sanction. At the same time, Infantino reaffirmed FIFA’s full commitment to support Mr Thohir throughout the PSSI’s essential transformation process and would provide the necessary assistance where required.
Mr Thohir confirmed his satisfaction with the outcome on his Instagram page, stating that Indonesia had avoided severe sanctions and effectively only been given a ‘yellow card’. The PSSI Chairman was also grateful to have had the opportunity to present his blueprint for the transformation of Indonesian football and confirmed that the national team would still be able to compete in the Southeast Asian Games in May.
Despite the positive outcome of the negotiations, many businesses and football fans across the country are mourning what might have been an ideal occasion for Indonesia to promote its culture, economy, and tourist destinations to the world. Contrary to rumours that the tournament had been cancelled due to lack of preparedness, the PSSI had ensured that the six-state-of-art stadia spread across the country were ready to welcome both players and spectators.
However Mr Thohir is encouraging Indonesians to think about the long-term. His plan presented to FIFA is said to encompass all the different areas identified where immediate improvement was needed, from grassroots to the professional game. He also shared President Widodo’s plans and commitment to invest in football infrastructure all over the country.
There is clearly still a future for Indonesian football at the global stage.