Indonesian Bid for FIFA Reinstatement Handed Boost as Government Lifts Sanctions on PSSI

Jakarta, 04 Sya’ban 1437/12 May 2016 (MINA) – Indonesia’s chances of FIFA reinstatement during Friday’s (May 13) Congress here have been given a boost after the country’s Sports Ministry agreed to lift the sanctions on their Football Association.

The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) were suspended by world football’s governing body back in May of last year for Governmental interference but their ban could be revoked if FIFA’s 209 Member Associations vote in favour.

If they are successful, they will be able to return to international competitions, such as the World Cup and Asian Cup, the insidegames, biz. was uoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

“Last night, after I signed the letter to lift the sanctions, we sent a letter to FIFA straight away so they could take note,” said Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi.

The PSSI’s suspension followed a row between the PSSI and the Government, who tried to replace the sport’s governing body with a different organisation.

Despite the Indonesian Government insisting this was a necessary step for the future of the sport in the nation, FIFA, who are strongly against Governmental interference within its Member Associations, opted to suspend the PSSI.

Friction between the PSSI and the Government surfaced last April after the Indonesian Super League season ground to a halt over a dispute concerning the participation of two of the league’s clubs, Persebaya Surabaya and Arema Indonesia.

Issues surrounding the ownership of both teams had arisen and the Indonesian Professional Sports Agency, sanctioned by the Sports Ministry, wanted the two teams blocked from playing.

his was met with opposition from the PSSI and, as a result, the Government initiated a process to replace the organisation by setting up a transitional body.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo met with senior FIFA officials in November in an attempt to find a resolution to the matter though an agreement could not be reached.

Talks were also held with President Gianni Infantino earlier this year.

The decision of the Government to remove the sanctions on the PSSI was hailed by organisers of the 2018 Asian Games, due to take place in Jakarta and Palembang.

“The government of Indonesia removed the sanctions last night and I called FIFA,” said Erick Thohir, President of the Indonesian Olympic Committee and the Organising Committee for the event.

“FIFA will make a decision on Friday, so that will no longer be an issue for the Asian Games.”

Indonesia and Kuwait’s suspensions are both on the agenda during the Congress on Friday, the first to be held under the leadership of Infantino.

The FIFA electorate will also vote on whether to accept Gibraltar and Kosovo as its 210th and 211th members. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)