Erick Thohir Inspects Group B Training Venues: ITB and Arcamanik Ready, Sidolig Needs Recovery
Baca dalam 60 detik
- Ketua Umum PSSI Erick Thohir meninjau tiga lapangan latihan Grup B FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 di Bandung pada Kamis (24/9/2026).
- Dua dari tiga venue, Saraga ITB dan SPOrT Jabar Arcamanik, dinyatakan memenuhi standar FIFA, sementara Stadion Sidolig masih dalam perbaikan.
- Kondisi lapangan menjadi faktor krusial bagi Pakistan, Thailand, Filipina, dan Vietnam dalam persiapan menjelang turnamen.
PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir carried out a direct inspection of three training pitches that will be used by Group B teams at the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 in Bandung, Thursday (24/9/2026). Of the three venues checked, two were declared to have met FIFA standards, while one pitch still needs repairs in the coming days.
The Saraga ITB pitch and SPOrT Jabar Arcamanik were the two facilities that received a positive assessment. According to Erick, both already meet the high standards set by FIFA. "Both facilities at ITB and Arcamanik are in good condition and already meet FIFA's high standards," Erick said at SPOrT Jabar, Arcamanik, Bandung City.
Meanwhile, Sidolig Stadium remains in the spotlight because its condition is not yet optimal. Erick said the pitch needs several more days for the recovery process. "Only Sidolig needs a few more days. The one at ITB was good, this one (Arcamanik) is good. Only Sidolig needs time," he added.
Erick added that several teams had previously used the ITB pitch for training sessions, while Arcamanik has begun operating to support the preparations of participating teams. He hopes the facilities provided can offer comfort so that the teams can prepare as well as possible. "Hopefully the teams using the pitches we provide are happy, can train well, so that when the time comes for them to compete, they are in a position to deliver matches that meet the standards expected by FIFA," Erick said.
During the review, Erick said he found no significant issues with the facilities at either ITB or Arcamanik. The main attention is now on Sidolig, which had not been in optimal condition. Recovery efforts are being made so that the pitch can soon be used according to standards. "Now we are helping with its recovery," Erick said.
"Both facilities at ITB and Arcamanik are in good condition and already meet FIFA's high standards. Only Sidolig needs a few more days."
— Erick Thohir, PSSI Chairman
The readiness of training venues is a crucial factor in the ASEAN inter-country football tournament. Group B, which includes Pakistan, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam, will battle for a ticket to the next round. With adequate pitch conditions, it is hoped that match quality will be maintained and players will avoid the risk of injury from uneven surfaces.
For Indonesia, successfully hosting part of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 matches is a chance to prove its ability to manage international events. PSSI under Erick Thohir's leadership continues to ensure that all infrastructure, including training pitches, meets FIFA's expectations. This also reflects Indonesia's seriousness in developing national football, while enhancing its reputation in the region.
Going forward, the repair of Sidolig will be a test for the organizing committee. If the pitch can recover on time, then all training venues are ready for use. However, if repairs are delayed, participating teams may need to adjust their training schedules. The public is also waiting to see whether FIFA's high standards can be maintained until the tournament takes place.
