The Indonesian government is set to bring down and rebuild the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, according to President Joko Widodo.
Widodo's announcement came a fortnight after at least 133 people lost their lives in a stampede at the facility in one of the world’s deadliest sporting catastrophes.
Widodo, who held a meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, noted that they had agreed on significant changes to how sports will be managed in the country.
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“For the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, we will demolish and reconstruct it in line with FIFA standards, with appropriate facilities to ensure the safety of players and fans," Widodo stated.
Infantino termed the October 1 incident as a ‘black day’ for football as more than 40 children lost their lives in the stampede.
During the end of the match between FC Arima and Persibaya Surabaya, fans invaded the pitch, which led to the police firing tear gas into the crowded stands.
Infantino noted that the football governing body would help Indonesia to transform the football situation in the country.
"What I can guarantee to all Indonesians is that FIFA is here with you and is staying and will work closely with the government, the Asian Football Confederation and the Indonesia Federation," Infantino noted.
The stadium, with a capacity of 42,449, is the home ground to Azam FC and Persekam Metro FC and was built at an estimated cost of Ksh273 million (Rp. 35 billion).
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