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Indonesia's President Joko Widodo during a press conference in the aftermath of the stampede at Kanjuruhan Stadium
Photo:
Trisnadi / AP
According to President Joko Widodo, after the stadium disaster on the Indonesian island of Java, the Southeast Asian country does not have to expect sanctions from the world football association Fifa.
"Thank God Indonesian football is not sanctioned by Fifa," Widodo said in a video message released on Friday, citing a letter from Fifa President Gianni Infantino.
A stampede broke out at Kanjuruhan Stadium in the city of Malang on Saturday last week after Arema FC and Persebaya FC's Premier League game, when fans rushed onto the field and the police used violence and tear gas against them.
More than 130 people - including 37 children - died as thousands tried to reach the emergency exits.
According to different sources, several exits of the stadium are said to have been closed.
Hundreds of spectators were also injured.
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Fifa is teaming up with the Indonesian government to change the country's football, Widodo announced.
During this time, the association also wants to open an office in Indonesia to accompany the transformation process.
Indonesia should continue to host the U20 World Cup next year as planned.
Initially, there was no statement from Fifa itself.
Charges have been brought against several people
Fifa's own rules prohibit the use of tear gas inside the stadium, but the federation has no control over how police and security forces operate within national leagues.
The exit gates should also remain unlocked at all times during a game.
In the meantime, charges of criminal negligence have been brought against six people.
According to state police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, the accused are the head of the company that manages the first division, two Arema FC officials and three police officers who are said to have ordered the use of tear gas in the stadium.
A team of experts is to clarify the background.
ngo/dpa/AP