August 6, 2026 | 03:39 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) fully supports Gianni Infantino's continued leadership as FIFA president, given his significant contributions to Indonesian football.
"For Indonesia, FIFA under the leadership of Gianni Infantino is not merely a global governing body, but a strategic partner playing a tangible role in the development of our football," said PSSI Chair Erick Thohir in an official statement in Jakarta on Thursday, as quoted by ANTARA.
He stated that PSSI appreciates President Gianni Infantino's ongoing commitment to fostering unity across the global football community, advancing football development, and strengthening all FIFA Member Associations.
Indonesia, he said, has directly experienced the positive impact of FIFA's initiatives under his leadership. FIFA's initiatives in Indonesia have translated FIFA's global mission into tangible progress and the development of Indonesian football.
That is the basis for PSSI's continued support for President Infantino and for a FIFA capable of serving all its member associations. "Without FIFA's support, the leap in progress we have achieved today would be difficult to realize," he said.
He said that one of the most important historical milestones of this partnership was the construction of the National Training Center (NTC) in the Nusantara Capital City (IKN). Through the FIFA Forward program, FIFA distributed US$5.4 million in funding for the first phase of construction of the 34.5-hectare facility.
Beyond mere physical infrastructure, FIFA's commitment is also evident through the designation of Jakarta as the FIFA hub for Southeast and East Asia. The Host Country Agreement, signed in June 2025, establishes Indonesia as a FIFA operational center serving 21 member associations in the region.
"This proves President Infantino's vision that the growth of football should not be concentrated in just one region, but rather distributed evenly across the globe," he said.
Furthermore, he noted that the implementation of strategic programs—such as the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, FIFA Football for Schools, and the FIFA Arena initiative, which has begun constructing mini-pitches in Indonesia—demonstrates FIFA's comprehensive commitment to grassroots development.
Therefore, ahead of the FIFA Congress in Morocco on March 18, 2023—where the election for the next FIFA President will take place—PSSI has affirmed its position. Citing his outstanding track record of advancing football in developing nations such as Indonesia, the PSSI fully supports Gianni Infantino’s bid for reelection.
"In essence, PSSI is ready to continue working constructively with FIFA and all member associations to advance football development worldwide, ensuring that the inclusive vision of global football endures," he asserted.
Beyond Indonesia, many countries—including confederations—continue to support the FIFA President. Infantino retains strong, unanimous backing from Africa (CAF), comprising 54 member associations.
Several Asian countries—particularly West Asian nations such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia—continue to support Infantino and wield influence in the region, alongside pragmatic support from South America.
Read: How Do FIFA Presidential Elections Work Amid Gianni Infantino's Crisis?
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