Indonesian football could face Fifa sanctions if it doesn't bring the domestic situation under control with a deadline set for March 20 by the game's governing body
Oil and gas tycoon Arifin Panigoro and a group of business people will pour funding into the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) after the government withdrew its support last week.The Indonesian government decided to cut its funding of the PSSI in the wake of the humiliating 10-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to Bahrain, which has been blamed on Indonesian football's division.
Indonesia were unable to select national team regulars against Bahrain as the majority play in the rebel Super League (ISL), which isn't recognised by the PSSI or Fifa. As a result, a weakened side mostly full of debutants from the Indonesian Premier League (IPL) was fielded against Bahrain.
The fallout from the defeat has been shocking in Indonesia, with the government pulling its funding of the PSSI, and demanding the two leagues unite before it resumes its financial support.
Fifa has also reportedly put down a deadline of March 20 for the organisation to be united or at least under control, otherwise face sanctions.
However in the meantime, Panigoro, who has also funded the IPL, and his group will help make up the shortfall.
“The shortfall will be covered by Arifin and other businessmen who love Indonesian football. There are several friends but he is the head of that,” PSSI vice-president Farid Rahman told Reuters.
“This shows his commitment for the future of Indonesia football. Arifin will do a lot. He is sacrificing a lot in order to make Indonesian football better.”
Ahead of Fifa's March 20 deadline, the PSSI will hold its annual congress in Palangkaraya on Sunday.
The National Sports Committee (KONI) met with the PSSI on Monday and are pushing for a resolution.
KONI official Sudirman told Reuters: “We just heard what PSSI has to offer to end the dispute. We’ve planned to also invite the opposing party for a meeting and we’re optimistic that we could agree on something to finish this once and for all.”
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