“Thank God Indonesian football is not sanctioned by FIFA,” Widodo said in a video message released on Friday, citing a letter from FIFA President Gianni Infantino. A stampede broke out at Kanjuruhan Stadium in the city of Malang on Saturday last week after Arema FC and Persebaya FC’s Premier League game, when fans rushed onto the field and the police used violence and tear gas against them. More than 130 people – including 37 children – died as thousands tried to reach the emergency exits. Hundreds of spectators were also injured.
FIFA is teaming up with the Indonesian government to transform the country’s football, Widodo announced. During this time, FIFA also wants to open an office in Indonesia to accompany the transformation process. Indonesia is set to continue hosting the U20 World Cup next year as planned.
In the meantime, charges of criminal negligence have been brought against six people because of the stampede. According to state police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, the accused are the head of the company that manages the first division, two Arema FC officials and three police officers who are said to have ordered the use of tear gas in the stadium.
Source: Nachrichten
