So far, we haven't received any information regarding the continuation of the league, but for League 1, it is reported that there will be a manager's meeting, we are still waiting for League 2Padang, West Sumatra (ANTARA) - Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali has said that he is in favor of the resumption of national football competitions League 1, League 2, and League 3.
However, they will need to be cleared by the police and National Football Association (PSSI) first in the wake of the Kanjuruhan stadium tragedy, he added.
"The continuation of the competition depends on the permission for crowd from the police; it is on them, not us," he said during a visit here on Thursday.
According to him, the police and PSSI are currently formulating standard operating procedures (SOPs) and procedures for football matches by referring to FIFA statutes, the National Football Association's statutes, and internal police regulations.
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"This SOP will later become the guide for all football matches in Indonesia," Amali said.
Once the police give the green light, the competitions will continue.
"We, the government, are always enthusiastic about it," he informed.
He said that there have been a lot of inputs from football clubs, who have called for the resumption of competitions as soon as possible citing contracts with domestic and foreign players.
"I understand what they feel and there is a big economic impact since this league is not yet running. Once again, I repeat that the permit matter is with the police, not us," Amali reiterated.
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CEO of Semen Padang FC, Win Bernadino, said that all clubs in Indonesia need assurance on whether the competitions will continue or not.
"So far, we haven't received any information regarding the continuation of the league, but for League 1, it is reported that there will be a manager's meeting, we are still waiting for League 2," he added.
He said that although the association will hold an Extraordinary Congress (KLB), it is better if the competitions are resumed, saying that the most important thing is the certainty of the schedule and making it known to all the teams participating in the league.
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"Whether the competition is continued or stopped until when, (or) even (if) this competition is closed and restarted next season, the most important thing is clarity," he added.
According to him, the current uncertainty has caused teams to experience losses, for instance, funds are being held back by sponsors due to the lack of clarity on the competition schedule, while expenses, ranging from operational funds to player salaries, are still accruing.
"We are certainly keeping our eyes open by holding training (to prepare) if suddenly the competition is announced to be continued. We hope that in early November, there will be clarity on the continuation of this competition. We cannot answer to the sponsors when this competition starts and expect the National Football Association, as the owner of the regulations, to explain to the teams," he added.
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Translator: Mario S N, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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