These are Six Alternative Stadiums for the U-17 World Cup

– FIFA has appointed Indonesia as the host for the 2023 U-17 World Cup replacing Peru which was previously set. Peru was unable to meet the infrastructure requirements as a host, even though they were set several years ago.

One of the main requirements is the stadium. Indonesia has prepared well for this stadium because it was previously appointed as the host for the U-20 World Cup.

Although Indonesia did not host the U-20 World Cup for reasons not explained by FIFA, it is believed that pressure from various elements of society against the presence of the Israeli national team influenced FIFA’s decision.

Indonesia has prepared six stadiums that have been verified and inspected by FIFA representatives for the U-20 World Cup. The stadiums are Captain I Wayan Dipta Stadium (Bali), Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium (Surabaya), Manahan Stadium (Solo), Jakabaring Stadium (Palembang), Si Jalak Harupat Stadium (Bandung Regency), and Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium ( Jakarta).

The six stadiums have been deemed suitable for holding the U-20 World Cup, although there are several evaluations that need to be carried out, such as parking lots and the addition of VIP rooms.

Currently, PSSI has not announced the names of the stadiums that will be used for the U-17 World Cup. However, PSSI has prepared 10 stadiums as candidates for the venue.

The following stadiums are alternatives that can be used for the U-17 World Cup:

1. Jakarta International Stadium (JIS)

One of the planned stadiums as an organizing option. However, the renovation of JIS had not been carried out until a visit from FIFA. The stadium has never hosted an international match, but has been used for the International Youth Championship tournament in 2022.

2. Wibawa Mukti Stadium, Cikarang

This stadium was proposed by the Acting Regent of Bekasi to become the U-17 World Cup arena. This stadium has hosted international matches several times and is the home ground for Persija Jakarta in the Liga 1 competition.

4. Pakansari Bogor Stadium

This stadium in Bogor Regency has hosted international matches several times, including the 2016 AFF Cup final and the 2018 Asian Games final. However, the stadium is currently being renovated and is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

5. Gelora Bandung Ocean of Fire Stadium

The Persib Bandung headquarters stadium has also hosted international matches, including the FIFA Match Day against Curacao in September 2022. However, this stadium has limited access to transportation, which can cause traffic jams during matches.

6. Semarang Jatidiri Stadium, the headquarters of PSIS Semarang, has just been renovated in January 2023. This stadium has undergone changes to become modern and meets the single seat standard for spectator seats. Although it has never been the venue for international matches, the stadium may still need to obtain certificates of eligibility from the AFC and FIFA.

President Joko Widodo has asked PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir to consider other stadiums as venues for matches, especially since the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (GBK) will be used for the Coldplay concert on November 15, while the U-17 World Cup will take place from November 10 until December 2.

Currently, PSSI is evaluating other candidate stadiums for the U-17 World Cup, and the names of these stadiums have yet to be announced.

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