Jakarta (ANTARA) – Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo said on Sunday that the government, in collaboration with the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), is reviewing football stadiums as potential venues for the U-17 World Cup.He mentioned that several stadiums have already met FIFA’s standards, including Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium, Gelora Bung Tomo (GBT) Stadium, Manahan Stadium, Jakabaring Stadium, and I Wayan Dipta Stadium. He also confirmed that Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) is being considered as a venue for the U-17 World Cup. “JIS is still an option. Even though it still has a number of limitations, the stadium also meets (FIFA) standards,” he said. Regarding the stadium selection, he emphasized that they are awaiting FIFA’s decision as the authorized party. The minister previously announced that he would hold a meeting with PSSI this week to discuss the preparations for the U-17 World Cup. The U-17 World Cup is scheduled to take place from November 10 to December 2, 2023. So far, FIFA has not conducted a venue inspection. There is a slight possibility that GBK Stadium might not be used for the opening of the U-17 World Cup due to a scheduled Coldplay concert on November 15, 2023, which has already obtained a permit. During a FIFA Council meeting held on Friday, June 23, 2023, in Zurich, Switzerland, it was decided that Indonesia would host the U-17 World Cup. This decision was made after Peru was stripped of its hosting rights in April due to uncertainties regarding its infrastructure. Peru was initially chosen as the host country for the competition in 2019. riotedjo stated that the government will also renovate 22 stadiums to support sports development in the country.

Source: Antara News Agency