DILI (TOP) - The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Council of Ministers meeting, has approved the proposal from the Timor-Leste Football Federation (FFTL) to rehabilitate the Dili Municipal Stadium and construct a new stadium with an international standard indoor futsal field in Tasi-Tolu, Dili.
This proposal was approved after the President of FFTL, Nilton T. Gusmão dos Santos, and the Secretary-General of FFTL, José Adilson Ribeiro, along with their team, presented it at the Council of Ministers meeting chaired by Prime-Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão on June 4, 2025.
The rehabilitation of the Dili Municipal Stadium is necessary because this iconic stadium has long been the center of national football activities and requires updates to meet FIFA/AFC standards for national and international competitions.
Additionally, the construction of a new stadium in Tasi-Tolu is planned as a modern facility with international standards to support the growth of sports, player development, and to serve as a host venue for future regional and international tournaments.
President of FFTL, Nilton Gusmão, also emphasized that this initiative is not only to support football development in Timor-Leste but also as a symbol of national pride, promoting sports development, tourism, and creating socio-economic impacts such as job creation and strengthening the role of sports as a unifying tool.
This decision marks the government’s commitment to integrating sports into national development, especially in preparing the younger generation and enhancing Timor-Leste’s presence on the international football stage.
Although serving only a one-year term, President Gusmão affirmed his strong commitment to creating a meaningful impact during his leadership.
“I may only have one year to lead FFTL, but I am determined to make it an extraordinary one,” he said.
The construction of both stadiums is planned to begin in 2025, with completion expected in 2026. The project will be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between FFTL and the Government of Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of Planning and Strategic Investment (MPIE).
The rehabilitation of the Dili Municipal Stadium will include the expansion of the eastern stands with 2,000 seats, while the new stadium will have a capacity of 15,300 seats.
Following the approval of this proposal, FFTL President, Nilton T. Gusmão dos Santos, on behalf of FFTL, expressed deep appreciation and gratitude to Prime-Minister Xanana Gusmão and all members of the IX Constitutional Government for approving FFTL’s proposal for the rehabilitation of the Dili Municipal Stadium and the construction of a new stadium and indoor futsal field in Tasi-Tolu.
This approval reflects the government’s strong commitment to supporting the progress of national football and the development of sports infrastructure that is worthy for the people of Timor-Leste. It represents a historic step that will not only strengthen the foundation of sports but also bring new hope and enthusiasm to the younger generation and football-loving society with “HANOIN IDA ATU TRANSFORMA FUTEBOL SAI ORGULHO NACIONAL”.
