TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The government is finally planning to revoke the suspension of the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) after Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi met with Vice President Jusuf Kalla, the Indonesian National Sports Commission (KONI) and PSSI representatives.
“I hope the revocation process can be completed this afternoon,” Kalla told a press conference on Monday, adding that the revocation was also conducted to avoid sanctions from FIFA.
The transition team recently formed by the Youth and Sports Minister, meanwhile, will continue monitoring the nation's soccer affairs in general. “Not only PSSI, but also all national soccer affairs.”
The meeting was also attended by Indonesian National Sports Council (KONI) chairwoman Rita Subowo, PSSI deputy chairman Hinca Pandjaitan and former PSSI chairman Agum Gumelar.
Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi previously decided to suspend PSSI after the latter failed to heed three prior warnings from the minister. In the decree signed by Minister Imam Nahrawi on April 17, it was stated that PSSI had been proven to have ignored and disobeyed the government’s policy.
PSSI and PT Liga Indonesia are also deemed as ignoring recommendations from the Indonesian Professional Sports Body that crossed out Arema Cronus and Persebaya Surabaya from the list of the 2015 Indonesian Super League participants due to claims of dual ownership.
However, both clubs still participated in two matches. The Youth and Sports Minister then imposed administrative sanctions by not recognizing PSSI’s sport activities.
FAIZ NASHRILLAH
