Erick Thohir makes Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) even more global
The 2023 U-17 World Cup was successfully held in Indonesia, receiving positive appreciation from the participating countries and FIFA. PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir immediately targeted Indonesia to host the 2025 U-20 World Cup with Singapore. The Singapore Football Federation (FAS) has reportedly agreed to this intention.
A number of parties expressed their support for PSSI to realize Indonesia's intention to host the 2025 World Cup. Even though there are differences in FIFA's requirements to host the U-20 World Cup, FIFA's good impression of Indonesia at the 2023 U-17 World Cup is not the same. will make it difficult for Indonesia to fulfill them.
Previously, FIFA pitch management, Alan Ferguson, had assessed the Jakarta International Stadium as the best venue for the 2023 U-17 World Cup. The Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) grass used for the U-17 World Cup matches was declared to have met FIFA's overall requirements.
If selected as host of the 2025 U-20 World Cup, it would not be surprising if JIS would be selected as the main venue for the tournament.
"If indeed FIFA has given an assessment that the stadium is the best venue and can be used to hold international matches under FIFA, this is good news," said Kesit, quoted by Republika.co.id, Tuesday (5/12/2023).
JIS could only be used as a venue for official international football matches after being polished by PSSI under the leadership of Erick Thohir, who was able to transform it into a venue for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Kesit believes JIS could be one of the stadiums proposed again as a venue for the 2025 U-20 World Cup.
"JIS could be one of the stadiums proposed again to hold World Cup matches if Indonesia participates in the bidding. Now JIS standards are in line with those implemented by FIFA," said Kesit.