"The AFC does not ban Persipura from participating in the championship, but it was PSSI that did not register it (Persipura). So we ask the PSSI not to deceive the public," Roberto Rouw said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The All-Indonesia Soccer Association (PSSI) should clarify to the public why Papua`s soccer club, Persipura Jayapura, was not registered for the Asian League championship, PSSI executive committee member Roberto Rouw said here Thursday.

"The AFC does not ban Persipura from participating in the championship, but it was PSSI that did not register it (Persipura). So we ask the PSSI not to deceive the public," Roberto Rouw said on the sidelines of a demonstration staged by Persipura supporters at the PSSI office here on Thursday.

So far, the public was informed that Persipura, the champion of the 2011 Indonesia Super League (ISL), was not listed because it was no longer taking part in PSSI`s formal tournament , namely the Indonesia Premier League (IPL) organized by PT Liga Prima Indonesia Sportindo (LPIS).

Roberto said it was Persipura`s right to join the AFC-organized tournament (LCA), so Persipura as the champion of the previous season, cannot be replaced by another club as was done by the PSSI.

According to Roberto, PSSI had registered Arema Indonesia, the runner-up of the previous competition with the LCA and the Hadi Basalamah-led Persija Jakarta with the AFC cup but AFC then rejected both Arema Indonesia and Persija Jakarta.

"Persipura does not only represent Papua but also Indonesia," Roberto said, requesting the PSSI general chairman Djohar Arifin Husin to clarify the problem to Persipura Jayapura supporters.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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