Jakarta (ANTARA) - FIFA has been regularly monitoring the readiness of venues for the 2023 U-20 FIFA World Cup so that the prestigious event can run smoothly and successfully, an Indonesian minister said.
"FIFA regularly conducts inspections and is currently visiting here (Indonesia) again to see the improvements (in the venues), which are being carried out," Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali said in a statement on Monday.
The completion of all preparations is being expedited, including the improvement of facilities at the six stadiums that will hold the matches of the cup as well as additional fields for training, he added.
The stadiums comprise Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (Jakarta), Si Jalak Harupat Stadium (Bandung, West Java province), Manahan Stadium (Solo, Central Java province), and Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium (Surabaya, East Java province).
The other venues include Gelora Sriwijaya Jakabaring Stadium (Palembang, South Sumatra province) and Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium (Gianyar, Bali province).
"(The revitalization of) the main venue is being closely monitored, both regarding the grass (on the pitch), locker room, and grandstands -- everything is checked one by one by FIFA. This (the preparation) is directly supervised by FIFA. Hopefully, it will go well according to plan," Amali remarked.
Furthermore, he said he hoped that Indonesia's role as the host of the 2023 U-20 FIFA World Cup would be utilized and optimized properly by the public.
Hence, the minister asked all parties to enthusiastically welcome the sporting event.
"We have to show that we are a big country. We have to give a good impression to everyone who comes here. The success (of hosting the U-20 FIFA World Cup) is a significant asset for us to bid the hosting rights for the World Cup of the (men’s) senior (team)," he added.
A total of 24 countries will take part in the cup, including the host, Indonesia. The teams will be divided into six groups. The tournament will be held from May 20 to June 11, 2023.
