Supporters' Group Threatens Tough Action as Persebaya Status Remains Unresolved
Jakarta. Hard-line supporters of Persebaya 1927 have called for tough action against the sport's governing body after it decided not to consider lifting the Surabaya, East Java-based football club's suspension during its national congress in Jakarta on Thursday (10/11).
A majority vote by delegates at the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) congress decided to defer a discussion on clubs that have been suspended.
"Yesterday we met with a representative of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the PSSI secretary general and an executive committee member. There was a promise and commitment [to decide Persebaya's status], but they are not honoring it now," said Andi Peci, leader of the supporters' group known as Bonek.
"The plan to restore Persebaya's status has been dropped from the agenda, even though the PSSI had agreed in Solo that it would do it today," he said. "Indonesia's football reform will not succeed until Persebaya's status is resolved, as the PSSI conflict started with a dispute against us."
The group insisted that it will not rest until the PSSI listens to it.
"We know we are considered an impolite supporters' group but we've tried to calm down. We won't go home until there is a clear answer from the PSSI and the government," Andi said.
'Indecisive'
While Persebaya supporters are disappointed with the PSSI, the club's business development director, Kardi Suwito, was allowed to attend the congress as an observer rather than a delegate, a decision he described as indecisive.
"We just ask to restore our status in the PSSI. We don't mind if we are only allowed to play in the lower divisions. We've prepared to relaunch our club and there are investors backing us as well," Kardi told reporters.
"The people of Surabaya are longing to see the return of Persebaya. We don't ask for more," he said. "I've asked [former PSSI chairman and electoral committee head] Agum Gumelar to find a solution to our problem."
Persebaya faced internal conflict in 2010 after joining the Indonesia Premier League.
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