JAKARTA (1 June 2011) – Rita Subowo, the president of the Indonesia Olympic Committee (KONI) will be attempting to mediate in the impasse which is currently plaguing the FA of Indonesia (PSSI).
FIFA gave a lifeline to PSSI this week that they have until 30 June to hold another Congress and elect a new chairman – without the inclusion of the four banned persons.
“The executive committee decided that, should the conditions not be met by June 30, 2011, the PSSI would automatically be suspended on July 1,”
The four banned persons are former PSSI chairman Nurdin Halid, former PSSI vice president Nirwan Bakrie, Arifin Panigoro and Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Toisutta.
But the Group of 78, the so-called reformers within PSSI, is adamant that either Toisutta or Arifin should lead the PSSI.
“I have yet to meet with the Group of 78 but I’ve talked with Arifin and Toisutta,” said Rita. “We’re still trying to find a way out and we’ve planned for another meeting. I have even talked to President (Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono) to discuss this.”
She declined to give details about her meeting with the president, but said the government was trying to prevent Indonesia from being sanctioned by FIFA.
Sutiyoso, one of the 15 nominees vying for the post of chairman, said this week that all factions should get together and set aside their personal interests for the future of the sport in the country.
“FIFA delivered a clear warning that we will be suspended if we fail to hold an election again,” said Sutiyoso, a former chairman of Indonesian Super League club Persija Jakarta and a former governor of the capital.
“We should all sit down and reconcile because it would be stupid if we fail to hold the election again. The interests of football should come first or we’ll sink deeper in this mess.”
