Prabowo promises FIFA to boost regional football ecosystem: Thohir

President Prabowo Subianto reiterated his commitment to developing regional football by pledging to FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Indonesia will promptly build sports facilities and foster partnerships with professional clubs, an official said.

During a meeting at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday afternoon, Prabowo received Infantino alongside Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir.

"The President will push, as promised to President Gianni Infantino, to immediately collaborate with sports clubs in the regions and at the central level as part of national character building," Thohir told reporters following the meeting.

Thohir emphasized that Prabowo views advancing national sports, including football, as an essential element of broader national development.

"The President expressed his full support for FIFA. He also expressed his gratitude to FIFA for hosting events such as the U-17 World Cup and the FIFA ASEAN Championship, as well as future tournaments. The Indonesian government stands ready to support FIFA activities," the minister added.

Infantino described his talks with Prabowo as highly productive, praising the Indonesian leader's strong understanding of and dedication to the sport.

Infantino noted that Prabowo understands the key measures required to ensure football contributes positively to national growth.

"We discussed the general strategy and vision [for football] in Indonesia, including investing in the construction of stadiums, football fields, and everything related to football," Infantino remarked.

Translator: Genta Tenri, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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