Already Paid Fines, Singapore Still Bans 4 National Team Players From Appearing In AFF Final Match, PSSI Is Disappointed!

JAKARTA - PSSI is very disappointed with the Singapore government's treatment of the Indonesian national team. This is after four players, namely Elkan Baggott, Victor Igbonefo, Rizky Dwi, and Rizky Ridho were banned from appearing in the final second leg on Saturday, January 1 at the National Stadium, Singapore.

The Singaporean government through the head of the Singapore Sport Institute, Su Chun Wei, sent an email to PSSI on Friday, December 31. Four Garuda squad players violated the bubble rule.

"We can't stop thinking about the Singapore government regarding this incident. We have received a fine from the AFF because the four players violated the bubble rules on December 23. We have already paid the fine. How come now suddenly they are punishing players by not being allowed to play tonight, "said PSSI Secretary General Yunus Nusi in an electronic message, Jakarta, Saturday, January 1.

Yunus insists this rule is "very strange". Because, during the first match some time ago, Elkan Baggott and Rizky Ridho could play. The other two players are also no problem.

Yunus also questioned that so far there have been many unpleasant incidents that befell the Garuda squad while in Singapore. Things like food that doesn't match the nutrition and portions of the players, Elkan Baggott must quarantine when he arrives and play against Laos, and others.

In addition, while in Singapore, the Indonesian national team, despite undergoing a bubble system, had to go to the floor and interact with the general public at the Orchard Hotel where they were staying. Of course this is the same as not bubble. Even the competition committee did not use the bubble concept.

"This is also an email without letterhead and only written in the body of the email. It continues to be sent on the eve of the new year's 2022. Is this intentional or according to the rules. PSSI will certainly not be silent about this. The Indonesian national team has suffered a lot during the 2020 AFF Cup. in Singapore," added Yunus.

Regarding this issue, PSSI General Chair Mochamad Iriawan has ordered PSSI to write an appeal letter to the Singapore government. PSSI officials in Singapore such as Yunus Nusi, Wasekjen Maaike Ira Puspita, Technical Director Indra Sjafri, Manager Sumardji also moved quickly.

In addition to making an appeal to the Singapore government, PSSI also communicated with the Secretary General of the AFF. However, until tonight there has been no official response from the Singapore government.