In 2017, hoping to promote regional football and build community pride,[4] regent ASAT Malik met with local football clubs including Persigo Gorontalo, based in Gorontalo to discuss a merger.

On 25 February 2020, the East Java Regional Leadership of Muhammadiyah (East Java PWM) confirmed that it has acquired Semeru FC, one of the participating Liga 2 football clubs.

Chairman of the East Java PWM M. Saad Ibrahim said that the acquisition was carried out because Muhammadiyah wanted to "preach through football".

Despite being a new territory, the organization wanted to instill the values of Islam, nationality and humanity through football; citing its cadres like Soeratin Sosrosoegondo that used to be the founders of the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI).

[5][6] Hizbul Wathan Football Club Sidoarjo plays their home matches at Gelora Delta Stadium in 2020.