September 25, 2025 | 12:56 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed no objection to Erick Thohir holding multiple positions as Indonesia’s Minister of Youth and Sports and Chair of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI).
Infantino clarified his stance after meeting President Prabowo Subianto in New York on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Responding to questions from Indonesian journalists about Thohir’s dual roles, Infantino said Erick’s track record speaks for itself.
“That's okay, of course. Mr. Erick Thohir has shown already in the past that he is a multi-talent. He can do many things in an excellent way: what he's done in the federation, what he's done in the government, what he will be doing for the sport in Indonesia.,” Infantino said, as quoted from the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel.
Infantino, who also works with Thohir in the International Olympic Committee (IOC), described him as both a colleague and a trusted partner.
“I'm looking forward to continuing working with Indonesia and with Mr. Erick Thohir, who is not only a great friend but a very, very competent man and has brought Indonesia to where it is, a country that people are looking up to now,” he added.
Support for Indonesia’s World Cup Dream
Infantino also acknowledged the Indonesian national team’s upcoming challenge in the fourth round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers, where they will face Saudi Arabia and Iraq in October.
“Well, you know, there will be some very tough matches, very difficult matches, but until some time ago nobody would have even been dreaming that Indonesia would be playing two crucial matches for the qualifications in the World Cup,” he said.
“The World Cup is, of course, a highlight for every player, for every fan, so I wish the best of luck to Indonesia, to anyone participating, and we must continue to unite football.”
The meeting with President Prabowo also served as an opportunity to discuss Indonesia’s rapid football development and its expanding cooperation with FIFA. Infantino praised the president’s consistent support for the sport.
“I am honored and happy to meet the President of Indonesia. He is a true friend of football and a leader who delivers on his commitments. What he has done and continues to do for football in a nation as passionate as Indonesia is extraordinary,” Infantino said.
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