Semen Padang Must Renovate Its Home to Hold the League 1 Party

Padang, Beritasatu.com – The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) encourages football club stadiums in Indonesia that will be used in the 2024-2025 League 1 season to immediately carry out renovations according to the standards set by FIFA.

PSSI General Chair, Erick Thohir, gave a message to Semen Padang FC and the PSSI City Association of Padang City during his visit to the capital of West Sumatra on Wednesday (6/3/2021). They were asked to immediately repair the GOR Haji Agus Salim Stadium before the start of the 2024-2025 League 1 season.

Even though Semen Padang FC will compete in Liga 1 for the 2024-2025 season, their stadium does not yet meet FIFA standards. When Erick Thohir visited this stadium, he expressed his concern over the condition of the stadium which was not adequate according to League 1 standards.

“It's difficult to enter League 1 standards. Earlier I checked the locker and it turned out it had to be renovated,” said Erick.

Erick hopes that the relevant parties will act immediately before the start of the next League 1 season. If the renovation cannot be completed before July 2024, PSSI suggests that Semen Padang FC complete it in the 2025-2026 season, perhaps with support from the central government.

Andre Rosiade, advisor to Semen Padang FC and member of Commission VI DPR RI, emphasized that if the renovation of the GOR Haji Agus Salim Stadium is not completed before the start of the 2024-2025 League 1 season, then Semen Padang FC will become a club without a home.

“Hearing the PSSI Chairman's statement, it is clear that GOR Haji Agus Salim did not pass verification in League 1. This means that it is possible that Semen Padang will become a travel team or play outside West Sumatra,” said the father-in-law of Indonesian National Team player Pratama Arhan.