Gianni Infantino, president of the International Football Association (FIFA), has commented for the first time on the recent unrest in the Indonesian league.
The riots broke out after a match in which Persibaya Surabaya won 3-2 against Arima in the 11th round of the Indonesian league.
The events have resulted in the return of about 174 people, according to Emil Dardak, deputy governor of Indonesia’s East Java province.
Hours after the incident, Gianni Infantino called the events that took place in the Indonesian league a black day for all parties.
“The football world is in shock following the tragic events that took place in Indonesia after the end of the match between Arima and Persibaya Surabaya at the Kanjuruhan Stadium,” Infantino expressed sadness in a statement published on the official FIFA website.
Indonesian league disaster
“This is a black day for everyone associated with football, and an unfathomable tragedy,” he added.
He added: “I express my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives in this tragic accident.”
He concluded: “All thoughts of FIFA and the world football community with the casualties and injured, and with the people of Indonesia, the Asian Football Confederation, the Indonesian Football Association and the Indonesian League.”
FIFA reportedly contacted the Indonesian federation hours after the match to request a full account of the cause of these events.