‘Will upgrade stadium infra, ensure safety’
Days after the disaster at a stadium in East Java’s Malang city, the president of FIFA—soccer’s world governing body— met Indonesia’s president and vowed to help improve stadium safety. He assured that steps would be taken to prevent a repeat of a tragedy in which police fired tear gas at a match, causing a crush that killed about 132 spectators, who attempted to flee. FIFA President Gianni Infantino informed that the body would bring experts and investment to upgrade the infrastructure across the soccer-obsessed country. According to reports, he said: “They love football and we owe it to them that when they go to see matches, they are safe and secure.” He also said the governing body would work in collaboration with the Indonesian government, the Asian Football Confederation and Indonesia’s Football Association to ensure that the Under-20 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the country next year runs smoothly.