RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s strides in football development have drawn international recognition, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighting the country as one of the standout beneficiaries of the FIFA Forward funding initiative over the past decade. Among the achievements he cited was the construction of PSSI’s National Training Centre, supported by FIFA.

In a post on his official Instagram account, Infantino noted that the expanded funding through FIFA Forward has significantly aided many member associations, including Indonesia.

“One of FIFA’s major achievements in the past decade has been the consistent increase in FIFA Forward funding to member associations, and football-loving Indonesia has been one of the most prominent beneficiaries of this program,” he wrote, as quoted by Antara.

Infantino recalled that during the inaugural FIFA Executive Football Summit in Miami last year, he personally presented PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir with the first FIFA Forward Gold Award in Asia, recognizing the establishment of the national training facility.

“At the first FIFA Executive Football Summit in Miami, held alongside the FIFA Club World Cup, I was delighted to present the inaugural FIFA Forward Gold Award to my friend Erick Thohir, President of PSSI, for the construction of the PSSI National Training Centre,” Infantino stated.

Launched to support football development across member nations, the FIFA Forward program provides funding for infrastructure, player development, and organizational strengthening. Infantino credited the initiative -- alongside Erick Thohir’s leadership -- for Indonesia’s recent progress at various levels of international competition.

He pointed to Indonesia’s milestone victory at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar last year as evidence of the nation’s growing competitiveness.

Looking ahead, Infantino expressed confidence that the modern national training center will play a crucial role in nurturing young talent and elevating Indonesia’s national team.

“I am confident this state-of-the-art facility will continue to develop future national team players and ensure that the people of this beautiful country can enjoy more success on the global stage,” he said. ***