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๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Indonesia /Elections & Politics

Indonesia's PSSI Backs Gianni Infantino for FIFA President Reelection

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Indonesia's Football Association (PSSI) backs Gianni Infantino for reelection as FIFA president.
  • PSSI cites Infantino's contributions to football development in Indonesia, including support for a new national training center.
  • Infantino's leadership has transformed FIFA into a strategic partner, fostering global unity and empowering member associations.

The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has declared its support for Gianni Infantino's bid for reelection as FIFA president, citing his significant contributions to the development of football in the country. PSSI Chair Erick Thohir stated that Indonesia views FIFA as a "strategic partner that is truly present" in its football development efforts.

a strategic partner that is truly present

โ€” Erick ThohirDescribing FIFA's role in Indonesia's football development under Gianni Infantino's leadership.

Thohir, who also serves as Indonesia's youth and sports minister, emphasized that Infantino's leadership has transformed FIFA into "more than a global governing body." He highlighted the incumbent president's commitment to fostering unity among football communities worldwide, advancing development initiatives, and empowering member associations. According to Thohir, Infantino's presidency has successfully translated FIFA's global missions into concrete actions supporting Indonesia's ambition to upgrade its football scene.

more than a global governing body.

โ€” Erick ThohirOn how Infantino's leadership has transformed FIFA.

One key example cited is FIFA's support for PSSI's initiative to develop the National Training Center in Nusantara, Indonesia's future capital. The international federation has committed US$5.4 million through the FIFA Forward program for the initial phase of the 34.5-hectare complex. Additionally, a June 2025 agreement designated Jakarta as FIFA's operational hub for Southeast and East Asia, serving 21 member associations.

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Thohir further noted that Indonesia has benefited from grassroots programs introduced during Infantino's tenure, such as the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, Football for Schools, and FIFA Arena. "In short, PSSI is ready to continue working constructively with FIFA and all member associations to develop football globally, ensuring that the vision of inclusive football endures," he concluded. Infantino is seeking another term, with the election scheduled for March 18 next year in Rabat, Morocco, despite facing some opposition.

In short, PSSI is ready to continue working constructively with FIFA and all member associations to develop football globally, ensuring that the vision of inclusive football endures.

โ€” Erick ThohirConcluding PSSI's commitment to global football development with FIFA.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.