KOMPAS.com – The Indonesian U19 national team is confirmed to continue with the training camp in Europe even though the 2020 Asian Cup is postponed.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced the postponement of the two most prestigious youth competitions in the Asian continent after holding a virtual meeting of the Executive Committee on Thursday (10/09/2020).
The U19 Asian Cup, which was scheduled to take place in October-November 2020, was postponed until early 2021.
This decision cannot be separated from the corona virus pandemic situation which has not subsided.
Also read: Official, AFC Postponed the 2020 U16 and U19 Asian Cup
“The U16 and U19 Asian Cup Championships, scheduled for Bahrain and Uzbekistan, have been postponed until early 2021.”
“The decision was taken in order to prioritize the well-being and health of young players, as well as minimize the risks en route,” said the official AFC statement.
However, the General Chairperson of the PSSI, Mochamad Iriawan, ensured that the Indonesian U19 national team would continue the training camp (TC) in Turkey.
“With the postponement of the U19 Asian Cup, the U19 national team which is currently in Croatia will continue the TC in Turkey in October,” Mochamad Iriawan said as quoted from the PSSI official website.
“In addition, we have TC alternatives in Spain or Portugal. Currently, we have received approval from the Turkish Federation to continue TC there,” he explained.
Talking about the postponement of the Asian Cup U19, PSSI as the highest soccer parent in Indonesia respects the AFC decision.
Also read: Ahead of the Indonesian U19 national team vs Saudi Arabia, Shin Tae-yong’s troops relax
“PSSI supports the AFC’s decision regarding the postponement of the Asian Cup U19 and U16 this year,” said Iriawan.
“With this delay of course the coaching team will change the training program.”
“We hope that the players will remain enthusiastic and continue to train to give the best for the Indonesian national team,” said the man who is called Iwan Bule.
The Indonesian U19 national team squad is currently undergoing a training camp in Croatia.
The U19 national team has undergone a series of exercises and two friendly matches against the hosts Croatia and Bulgaria.
Nearest, they are scheduled to meet Saudi Arabia on Friday (11/9/2020) evening WIB.
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