Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali (second from right) issues a press statement during the PSSI Ordinary Congress in Bandung, West Java, on Monday (May 30, 2022). (ANTARA/Michael Siahaan/kt).

Bandung, West Java (ANTARA) – The government has prepared the Indonesian Education University (UPI) in Bandung as a training center for the Indonesian national team, particularly the football team, Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali has said.

"The government wants to help PSSI (Indonesian Football Association). This is a short-term solution. Why did we choose here? Because the environment is very suitable," Amali informed on the sidelines of the 2022 PSSI Ordinary Congress in Bandung, West Java, on Monday.

As a varsity that offers a specialization in sports, UPI has the complete infrastructure for the Garuda squad, Indonesia's national football team, he said.

UPI has a football field and a sports health and science center, he pointed out. In addition, he said, the campus environment is comfortable for the team to practice in.

The national team players will be able to stay in hotels around UPI, he added.

"This is important for Indonesian football. The national team can train 24 hours, (thus) there is no need to adjust to a certain time like when practicing in other places," Amali said.

The minister also informed that Solehudin, the UPI rector, has agreed to the designation of UPI as a training center.

"Mr. Rector has said, 'Okay'. We have readied everything. As long as PSSI wants to use UPI, I guarantee that it can be used," Amali explained.

Meanwhile, PSSI chairman Mochamad Iriawan thanked the government for its attention to the national team and assured that the association will immediately communicate with the national team coaches regarding the establishment of UPI as the training center for the Garuda squad.

"We will communicate with the coaches. We are waiting for some improvements there," Iriawan said.

The 2022 PSSI Ordinary Congress started at 2 p.m. local time in Bandung and was opened by Amali. It was attended by representatives from KONI (National Sports Committee of Indonesia), KOI (Indonesian Olympic Committee ), FIFA (International Federation of Association Football), AFC (Asian Football Confederation), and AFF (ASEAN Football Federation).

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Translator: Michael S, Kenzu TEditor: Rahmad Nasution Copyright © ANTARA 2022