PSSI Will Charter Plane for Indonesian National Team to Face Bahrain and China

Medan, Todaysgist.com – PSSI General Chairman Erick Thohir revealed plans to charter a plane to transport squad The Indonesian national team is facing two away matches against Bahrain and China in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the Asian zone, Group C.

The Indonesian national team is scheduled to compete against Bahrain at the Bahrain National Stadium, Riffa, on October 10, before facing China at the Qingdao Youth Football Stadium, Shandong, five days later.

According to Erick, the purpose of chartering the plane was to save the players’ energy considering the long distance of the trip.

“We have prepared so that the team can gather earlier, especially the players who play in Indonesia. Meanwhile, players who play abroad will join directly,” explained Erick in Deli Serdang, Saturday (14/9/2024) quoted from Between.

“We will charter a plane from Bahrain to China because it is not possible for players to travel from Bahrain to Doha, then to Hong Kong, Beijing and continue with a six-hour journey. It will take a lot of time and make them tired,” he added.

On the same occasion, Erick also gave his appreciation to the national team players who immediately returned to their respective clubs after the 0-0 draw against Australia on September 10.

“We must appreciate the players who immediately returned to their clubs after the match. That is not an easy discipline. Some returned to Europe, America, even to Korea like Arhan. This is not easy, and their struggle deserves to be appreciated,” he continued.

Responding to the issue that emerged regarding naturalized national team players who allegedly have dual passports, Erick stated that differences of opinion are normal.

“There will always be differences of opinion, but we focus on our work. We don’t want to get caught up in unproductive polemics. This is a democratic country, and criticism is good. Our focus is on working, working, working,” he concluded.