Indonesia Avoids Heavy Sanctions, FIFA Only Gives a Yellow Card
It is certain that Indonesia will not receive a serious sanction from FIFA following the cancellation of the 2023 U20 World Cup in Indonesia which was supposed to be held on 20 May-11 June 2023.
This was conveyed by PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir in a written statement received by Kompas.com on Thursday (6/4/2023).
Erick Thohir said that FIFA gave administrative sanctions to the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI).
"I can only say, Alhamdulillah, with the grace of Allah SWT and the prayers of all Indonesian people, especially football fans, Indonesia can be spared from the severe sanction of being exiled from world football," said Erick Thohir.
"In other words, Indonesia only gets a yellow card, not a red card," said Erick who was in Paris, France.
Erick Thohir explained that the administrative sanction given by FIFA was in the form of freezing FIFA Forward funds for PSSI's operational needs.
"After I conveyed President Jokowi's message and explained our football blueprint, FIFA only gave administrative sanctions in the form of freezing FIFA Forward funds for PSSI's operational needs," said Erick Thohir.
"This will be reviewed again after FIFA has studied the grand strategy for developing Indonesian football," added the man who is also the Minister of BUMN.
Erick Thohir considers that the administrative sanction given by FIFA is a lesson and a blessing for Indonesian football, which is currently continuing to improve towards improvement in all sectors.
"I have tried my best when I met with FIFA. With this sanction, we are still continuing the football transformation program with FIFA," he said.
"With this sanction, we are not given a red card, but a yellow card so we can play and compete in the SEA Games at the end of this month," he concluded.
Erick Thohir visited FIFA according to President Jokowi's direction to conduct negotiations as well as present to FIFA the blueprint for the transformation of Indonesian football.
When meeting FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Erick also outlined the Indonesian government's commitment to renovating 22 stadiums that can be used for national team and league activities.