Awaiting Good News From PSSI-FIFA Meeting

The national sports public must reflect on the experience of the U-20 World Cup. One lesson learned is that politics should not mix with sports.

KOMPAS/ADRIAN FAJRIANSYAH

The new Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo (left) poses for a photo with former Menpora Zainudin Amali before the Handover ceremony at the Kemenpora Office, Jakarta, Tuesday (4/4/2023).

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – After it was removed as the host of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Indonesia hopes to remain a part of the international football community. That is why newly appointed Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo expressed his hope that the meeting between Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) chairman Erick Thohir and FIFA representatives would bring good news.

“I am aware that I now serve [as Youth and Sports Minister] amidst various sports issues, especially after Indonesia was stripped of its hosting rights for the U-20 World Cup. However, until now, the PSSI chairman is still fighting for Indonesia by meeting with FIFA. God willing, this week we’ll hear good news out of that meeting. We hope so, because it will impact many things,” Dito said in his remarks prior to his inauguration in Jakarta on Tuesday (4/4/2023).