JAKARTA - The Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Zainudin Amali assessed that the 2020 Menpora Cup pre-season tournament, which has now reached the semifinals, is running well and without significant obstacles.

"From our evaluation, starting from the preliminary to the semifinals, the event went well without any significant incidents that could disrupt the match," said Zainudin Amalid in a virtual press conference that was attended in Jakarta, Wednesday (14/4).

The Menpora also appreciated the implementation of the Covid-19 prevention health protocol at the tournament which began on March 21, 2021.

According to Zainudin, medical procedures are carried out with discipline and strictness so that the 2021 Menpora Cup is relatively protected from transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

"The implementation of the health protocol is carried out with discipline and seriousness, both for the players, the supporters and those who enter the stadium," said the Golkar Party politician.

For the good implementation of the Menpora Cup 2021, Menpora Zainudin Amali also thanked the organizers, namely PSSI and PT Liga Indonesia Baru (LIB) and all parties involved including participating clubs, medical personnel and the TNI as well as the Police.

No less important, Zainudin conveyed his praise to supporters and football lovers who obeyed their commitment not to crowd in order to suppress the spread of Covid-19 in the country. "I thank and appreciate everything," said the Menpora.

Zainudin Amali hopes that the Menpora Cup 2021 will continue positively in the semifinals, which start on April 15, 2021, until the final match on April 25, 2021.

"If it runs successfully until the end, then we hope League 1 and League 2 can get permission from the crowd from the Police and have a successful run with the health protocol being carried out seriously," said the Menpora.

The first leg of the 2021 Menpora Cup semi-final first leg was held on Thursday (15/4) at Maguwoharjo Stadium, Sleman, with Persija Jakarta versus PSM Makassar.

The next day, still at the same place, there was a PSS Sleman match against Persib Bandung. The second leg of the big four phase rolled at Manahan Stadium, Solo, Sunday (18/4) with PSM's match against Persija and Persib against PSS one day later.