August 9, 2026 | 08:34 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has voiced support for Gianni Infantino’s bid for reelection as FIFA president, citing his significant contributions to the country’s football development.
PSSI Chair Erick Thohir noted in a statement on Thursday, August 6, 2026, that Indonesia regards FIFA as “a strategic partner that is truly present” in its football development. He said Infantino’s leadership had transformed FIFA into “more than a global governing body.”
He emphasized PSSI’s appreciation for the incumbent president’s commitment to fostering unity among football communities worldwide, advancing development, and empowering member associations.
Thohir, who also serves as youth and sports minister, stated that Infantino’s presidency had successfully translated FIFA’s global missions into concrete initiatives supporting Indonesia’s efforts to upgrade its football scene.
He cited FIFA’s support for PSSI’s initiative to develop the National Training Center in Nusantara, Indonesia’s future capital under construction in East Kalimantan, as one example.
The international federation has committed US$5.4 million to the initial phase of the 34.5-hectare complex through the FIFA Forward program, Erick Thohir added.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir meet in Miami, Florida on June 18, 2025. Photo: FIFA.com.
He also highlighted a June 2025 agreement designating Jakarta as FIFA’s operational hub for Southeast and East Asia, serving 21 member associations.
“This is proof of President Infantino’s vision that football development must not be centered on a single region; it must proceed worldwide,” Thohir said.
He further noted that Indonesia had benefited from grassroots programs introduced during Infantino’s tenure, including 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.
Erick Thohir made the statement amid reports that Gianni Infantino will seek another term as FIFA president after a decade-long leadership. The election is scheduled for March 18 next year at the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco.
The incumbent has faced growing opposition from several member associations, confederations, and football figures over recent initiatives, most notably the withdrawn proposal to establish a private subsidiary to manage FIFA’s commercial rights.
Even so, he continues to enjoy strong backing from many countries apart from Indonesia, including all 54 members of the Confederation of African Football and West Asian nations such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, as well as some South American members.
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