Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Jakarta: The Football Association of Indonesia is ready to take the next step to reach a higher level of futsal development in the vast country, its General Secertary Joko Driyono has said.
An AFC delegation headed by Abbas Torabian, member of the AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee, started a three-day assessment visit under the AFC Futsal Development Programme to the capital city of Indonesia on Tuesday.
After the opening ceremony, a meeting was held between the AFC delegation and Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) officials to discuss governance and administration, league and competitions and a visit to the Indonesia Futsal League Final Four.
The meeting was also attended by officials from the PSSI Foreign Affairs Department, National Board of Futsal and representatives of clubs.
Driyono, welcoming the AFC delegation, said during the opening ceremony: “The Football Association of Indonesia is very happy to receive the AFC delegation and we are willing to learn about futsal development from the AFC.
“Futsal was introduced in Indonesia in 2001 and in order to promote the sport we hosted the AFC Futsal Championship in the consequent year. And the Futsal Committee and National Board of Futsal were established in 2006 to oversee and manage all futsal matters.
“Futsal is in fact very popular among youngsters and it is being played in many primary, middle and high schools. We believe that futsal is of vital importance to enhance the foundation to Indonesia football and thus the PSSI is keen on the development of futsal in our country.”
Torabian, addressing the significance of futsal for Asian countries, said, “As the AFC Futsal and Soccer Development Committee Member, I have witnessed the entire progression of Asian futsal since 1999.
“Indonesia have always been one of the strong sides in the ASEAN region and I trust with the hard work of the PSSI, futsal will further grow in a positive way.”
Ali Targholizade, Director of the AFC Futsal and Beach Soccer Development Department, added his comments: “Indonesia has big potential due to its vast population and popularity of futsal.
“We will have an in-depth evaluation of the current status of futsal development in Indonesia and we will do our utmost best to assist the PSSI in all areas to make the fast-paced game more successful.”