Indonesia to Lift Suspension of Indonesian Soccer Association PSSI

Sports Minister Imam Nachrawi speaks to journalists.

Jakarta, 03 Sya’ban 1437/11 May 2016 (MINA) – The Indonesian sports ministry is to lift the suspension of the country’s football association, PSSI, before the FIFA congress on May 13, allowing termination of the world governing body’s sanction, Sport Minister Imam Nahrawi said here on Tuesday.

“The lifting of the suspension is confirmed, but we only consider the precise time before May 13th,” Minister Nahrawi said at the State Palace.

FIFA has sent a letter to the Indonesian government to terminate the sanction against the PSSI before its congress in Mexico, or the international body will not end its sanction on the PSSI, reports Xinhua.

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The FIFA’s sanction has barred the Indonesian soccer association from participating in several international events such as qualification for the World Cup and the Asia Cup.

Minister Nahrawi stressed that FIFA encourages improvement and reform of the country’s football association.

The Indonesian sports ministry froze the PSSI in April 2015 due to its violation of the government regulations on the football league.

The decision led to a crisis in national football as the FIFA also barred the PSSI from participating in international events.

The FIFA issued the sanction on the ground that the government had intervened in the internal affairs of the PSSI. (T/R07/R01)

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Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)