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Jokowi says FIFA boss offered help to fix Indonesia's soccer issues

In one of the world's worst soccer disasters, hundreds of fans were crushed as they tried to flee the overpacked stadium in East Java on Saturday, after police fired tear gas to disperse agitated supporters of the losing side Arema FC, who had poured onto the pitch.

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Malang, East Java
Wed, October 5, 2022 Published on Oct. 5, 2022 Published on 2022-10-05T15:58:14+07:00

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This handout photo released by the Presidential Palace shows Indonesia’s President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo (centre left) shaking hands with Minister of Youth and Sport Affairs Zainuddin Amali next to East Java's Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa (right) upon his arrival at Abdul Rachman Saleh airport in Malang, East Java on October 5, 2022. 
This handout photo released by the Presidential Palace shows Indonesia’s President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo (centre left) shaking hands with Minister of Youth and Sport Affairs Zainuddin Amali next to East Java's Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa (right) upon his arrival at Abdul Rachman Saleh airport in Malang, East Java on October 5, 2022. (AFP/Handout)

P

resident Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said on Wednesday that soccer's world governing body FIFA had offered to help his country to address its football problems, having spoken to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino over a deadly stadium stampede.

In one of the world's worst soccer disasters, hundreds of fans were crushed as they tried to flee the overpacked stadium in East Java on Saturday, after police fired tear gas to disperse agitated supporters of the losing side Arema FC, who had poured onto the pitch.

Authorities said at least 131 people died, among them 33 minors.

The President said he had ordered a full audit of stadia across the country to ensure compliance with safety and security protocols. 

He said he had spoken by phone on Monday to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who offered his support. 

"He said if needed, FIFA can help fix Indonesia's soccer management," he said, referring to Infantino.

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On Wednesday, Jokowi in the city of Malang, where he greeted relatives of the victims after arriving at the Saiful Anwar hospital in the East Javan city.

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