The stadium where the deadly stampede took place will be destroyed

Two weeks after the dramatic stampede that claimed the lives of more than 130 people in Indonesia, the country’s authorities announced on Tuesday that the Kanjuruhan stadium in Malang, where the tragedy took place, would be completely destroyed. “We are going to demolish it and rebuild it according to FIFA standards, with appropriate facilities that can ensure the safety of players and fans,” President Joko Widodo told reporters, after talks with Gianni Infantino.

The latter, president of the International Federation, is currently visiting this Southeast Asian country to learn more about this deadly stampede caused by police tear gas fire at the end of a match. He is committed to helping and investing in the transformation of Indonesian football to improve its security.

“One of the darkest days for football”

“We are going to reform and transform football in the country,” he said, pointing out that Indonesia is preparing to host the Under-20 World Cup next year in a dozen stadiums across the country. ‘archipelago. Efforts will focus on improving stadium operations, fan behavior and football education programs in schools. “We will bring experts, we will help and invest to ensure that Indonesia shines on the world football stage,” Infantino announced.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo added that he had agreed with Fifa on “a profound transformation of Indonesian football on all aspects of matches to comply with international security standards”. The death toll from the disaster rose to 133 on Tuesday, after the death of a 33-year-old man who succumbed to his injuries received in the stadium. More than forty children also perished in the tragedy described by Gianni Infantino as “one of the darkest days for football”.