FIFA donates to Aceh soccer

JAKARTA: Soccer's international governing body FIFA is donating 1,000 pairs of soccer shoes to help the sport get back on its feet in Aceh, a local soccer official said on Wednesday.

Asri Sulaiman from the Aceh branch of the Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI) was quoted by Antara news service as saying the donation would be presented by FIFA vice president in charge of development affairs Uhr Janitti later on Wednesday.

Janitti was scheduled to be accompanied by David Borca, FIFA's director for Asia and Oceania, and Windsor John, FIFA's representative for Southeast Asia.

They were also scheduled to visit Murthala stadium to inspect its reconstruction after it was damaged in Dec. 26's tsunami.

The FIFA-funded renovation project, which involves repairs to six stadiums at an estimated cost of Rp 4.9 billion, is expected to be completed within the next year. The stadiums are located in Lampineung, Aceh Besar, Sigli, Bireuen, East Aceh and West Aceh. -- JP