October 19 – Indonesia is to demolish and rebuild the stadium where a stampede killed more than 130 people, including more than 40 children, in one of the world’s worst football disasters.
President Joko Widodo vowed to “thoroughly transform” the sport in the football-mad nation after meeting FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
“Kanjuruhan stadium in Malang…we will demolish it and rebuild according to FIFA standards,” Widodo said.
The deadly stampede in the city of Malang on October 1 has been blamed on police firing tear gas and Widodo said he discussed significant changes to how the sport was managed with Infantino.
“We agreed to thoroughly transform Indonesian soccer,” he said. “Every aspect of preparation…needs to be based on FIFA standards.”
Indonesia is due to host the Under-20 World Cup in May-June 2023, in multiple cities. Speaking alongside Jokowi, Infantino said FIFA’s first priority was to ensure the safety of both players and fans.
“This is a football country, a country where football is a passion for over 100 million people,” he said. “We owe it to them that when they see a match they are safe and secure.”
Three police officers are among six people who have been charged over the tragedy. An investigating task force has called on the country’s football association chief and all of its executive committee members to resign.
Widodo has suspended all football matches until the investigation is complete.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1742022325labto1742022325ofdlr1742022325owedi1742022325sni@w1742022325ahsra1742022325w.wer1742022325dna1742022325
