By Mark Baber
April 7 – After weeks of delay, the Indonesia Super League (ISL) finally kicked off this weekend, but faces an uncertain future as the Professional Sports Agency of Indonesia (BOPI) warned that the PT Liga Indonesia could have its licence to operate the ISL revoked if it continues to ignore official recommendations.
The background to the current drama includes years of poor administration and allegations of corruption in football in Indonesia as the feuding ruling elite apparently ran the sport into the ground whilst enriching themselves.
Part of the problem has been clubs failing to become properly incorporated, failing to pay taxes and failing to pay players on time – which tragically led to the death of Paraguayan player Diego Mendieta who died due to inability to afford medication for an easily curable virus whilst penniless due to being owed £7,500 by Persis Solo.
BOPI was set up under the country’s Sports Ministry to bring professionalism and good administration to the game, but has run into conflict with PT Liga Indonesia over a name change for the league – which PT Liga wants to be known as QNB League after signing a sponsorship deal with the Qatar National Bank – and over two teams (Arema Indonesia and Persebaya Surabaya) who BOPI says do not meet the mandatory requirements to participate in the ISL.
Bolstered by a letter from FIFA, reasserting football’s independence from outside interference under Articles 13 and 17 of the FIFA Statutes, The Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) and PT Liga decided to proceed with the fixtures involving Arema Indonesia and Persebaya Surabaya, two of the countries’ most successful clubs, this weekend.
In a statement Tuesday, BOPI chief Major General (Ret.) Noor Aman said there was still a possibility the two clubs could meet their legal obligations and participate in the league, but the games at the weekend had only been allowed to proceed on the grounds of spectator safety and if the PT Liga Indonesia continued with its current attitude, “There will be gradual sanctions for PT Liga, but it all depends on the Kemenpora [the Ministry of Youth and Sport of the Republic of Indonesia].”
“It’s possible that there will be a recommendation for the PT League to be revoked as a professional sport activity operator in the country,” Noor added.
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