Arema FC Remains a Nomadic Team as Kanjuruhan Stadium Unfit for Use

Arema FC has requested to borrow Soepriadi Stadium in Blitar once again for their upcoming home matches against PSS Sleman and PSIS Semarang in the second round of Liga 1 2025. This request comes as Kanjuruhan Stadium is still considered unsuitable for use. The club had previously played three home games at Soepriadi during the second round of the 2024-25 Liga 1 season. Blitar's Head of Youth and Sports Department, M Aminur Cholis, confirmed that the request for these two matches has been submitted.

Cholis explained that the request was made after the police risk assessment determined that Kanjuruhan Stadium does not meet the necessary standards for Liga 1 matches, especially concerning the playing field's condition. Blitar's Mayor, Santoso, supported the decision to allow Arema FC to continue using Soepriadi Stadium, as it had previously hosted Arema's games without significant security issues. However, official approval will come after police recommendations.

Cholis also addressed concerns raised by PSM Makassar's coach, Bernardo Tavares, about the field quality at Soepriadi, which Tavares claimed hindered his team’s performance. Cholis dismissed this criticism, stating that no other team had voiced similar complaints, and emphasized that the field quality had improved following repairs and regular maintenance.