JAKARTA (11 March 2012) – Following immense pressure from several quarters, the FA of Indonesia (PSSI) have started to extend an olive branch to the ‘rebel clubs’ playing in the Indonesia Super League for the possibility of attending the Congress which will be held in Palangkaraya on 18 March 2012.
This was revealed by Bernhard Limbong, the chairman of the PSSI Disciplinary Committee this week.
Football in Indonesia is currently under scrutiny following the 10-0 thrashing the national team suffered in their last 2014 World Cup qualifying match against Bahrain.
“We are planning to meet these teams before the Congress on 18 March in Palangkaraya. It is a follow-up from PSSI as we felt honoured that the President (Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono) has shown concern for the well-being of the association,” said Bernhard.
“There’s every possibility that the ISL clubs might be allowed to be voters, observers or not taking part at all at the Congress afterwards. These are all possible scenarios and the plan is already being agreed to by Djohar Arifin Husein (the president of the PSSI) and the other managers.”
But Bernhard pointed out that the PSSI will only extend the invitation for reconciliation 13 clubs in the ISL – among them PSPS Pekanbaru, Sriwijaya FC, Persib Bandung, Pelita Jaya, Persela, Deltras Sidoarjo, Persisam Samarinda, Persiba Balikpapan, Persiwa Wamena and Persipura Jayapura.
“Teams like Gresik United, Arema Indonesia, PSMS Medan and Persija Jakarta which are playing in both the ISL and the Liga Premier will not be invited,” added Bernhard.
