Minister’s Delay Causes Upset for Ready ISL Teams
Jakarta. The future of Indonesian Super League looks bleak after Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi announced a delay to the start of the 2015 ISL season because of administrative problems, including the perennial one of clubs failing to resolve payment disputes with players and staff.
Imam said on Wednesday that the start of the competition would be delayed by two weeks to March 4 to give clubs and league administrator Liga Indonesia time to complete all the administrative requirements and submit the paperwork to the Indonesian Professional Sports Council (BOPI).
“Liga Indonesia submitted the letter for recommendation [to start the season] four days prior to kick-off [on Feb. 20], yet they haven’t fulfilled all the requirements. BOPI has assessed that the ISL doesn’t meet the standards [to be allowed to start]. So the league has been given two weeks to meet all the requirements,” Imam said as quoted on the ministry’s website.
“It’s a good moment to start all over again. Let’s start in a good manner and do everything right,” he added.
The problems cited for ordering the delay include outstanding payments owed to players and coaching staff, and unfiled financial statements.
“As long as those haven’t been resolved, we can’t recommend that the ISL competition begin,” said BOPI chief Noor Aman.
Liga Indonesia chief executive Joko Driyono called the delay a “serious matter,” and urged clubs to complete all the necessary paperwork.
“The minister’s decision has a huge impact on us and clubs as it causes uncertainty. It’s a big and serious problem and we have to deal with it in a careful and rational manner,” Joko said.
“We will consult with FIFA on the matter. We face a big problem as we have to synchronize the domestic competition with the international agenda as the league is a basis for the national team. The PSSI executive committee will hold an emergency meeting to discuss this.”
The meeting is scheduled for today in Bandung, where the ISL curtain-raiser between defending champion Persib Bandung and runner-up Persipura Jayapura was originally scheduled. Sriwijaya FC, one of only four teams in the 18-club ISL that has met the administrative requirements, said the delay unfairly penalized the team.
“It’s a financial disruption because we’ve already settled our contracts with our players,” said Muchendi, the side’s assistant manager.
“We’re worried the contracts will expired while the league is still in session. That means we’ll have to renew the deals with the players, which will cost us more. Our coach also needs to work on the training program again.
“It’s just unfair on us and on the sponsors who trusted us with their money. We hope the other teams can settle their problems immediately.”
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