In this exclusive conversation, we will go deeper into the world of Indonesian football with the General Chair of PSSI, Erick Thohir and a figure who has an important role on the world football stage, namely FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This conversation is an exclusive window that reveals the vision, challenges and hopes for the future of Indonesian football.
Erick Thohir, with dynamic leadership, opened the door to various topics ranging from the quality of the U-17 National Team to concrete steps to fight the “football mafia” with the FIFA President. They discussed development strategies, FIFA’s confidence in Indonesia’s potential, and important steps taken to hold international events.
Let’s engage in a conversation that provides deep insight into the future of Indonesian football, through the views of two key figures leading change on the gridiron.
In an exclusive interview, PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir spoke about his challenges and vision for Indonesian football. He expressed his hope that in 5 years, Indonesia could compete at the level of the world’s top 100 and achieve achievements at the Asian level. Erick also expressed his long-term dream, namely to see Indonesia become world champion in the next 50 years.
In discussing the U-17 National Team, Erick admitted that the current quality could be a representation of Indonesian football, but needed the best team composition which would require more time. He encouraged U17 and U20 matches on FIFA Match Day to prepare for good player regeneration.
When talking about FIFA’s trust in Indonesia, Erick welcomed the decision to open a permanent office in Jakarta as proof of this country’s great potential in developing football. FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, emphasized that the presence of a permanent office is a long-term commitment to support the development of football throughout the East Asian region.
In the context of development, FIFA focuses on three main aspects in Indonesia: security and safety, prevention of match fixing, and football development. The FIFA President stated that with its large population, Indonesia has the potential to produce top players, and FIFA plans to build a Technical Center and FIFA Academy in Indonesia.
Erick Thohir also discussed the issue of match fixing as a “football mafia” that must be firmly opposed. FIFA, through global monitoring, seeks to identify suspicious betting patterns, and Erick stressed the importance of the involvement of police authorities to address this problem.
In discussing the future, Erick expressed his belief that Indonesia could host more international events. With the FIFA office in Jakarta, this opportunity is increasingly wide open. Erick hopes that in 10 years, Indonesia will be able to qualify for the U-17 and U-20 World Cups.
The interview closed with Erick’s vision for Indonesian football in the next 5, 10 and 50 years. In 5 years, consistency at the level of the world’s top 100 is expected, while the next 10 years involve junior World Cup qualification. The biggest dream is to become world champion in 50 years. Erick Thohir concluded the hope of creating quality players from various levels of society by maintaining continuity and standardization.
With the FIFA office in Indonesia, it is hoped that steps towards developing Indonesian football will be even stronger. Even though there are challenges, Erick Thohir’s optimism and commitment are the driving force for achieving brilliant achievements at the international level.
