Issuance Of League 1 Recommendations And BOPI Expectations In The 2020 Season

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Professional Sports Agency (BOPI) officially handed over a recommendation for the implementation of Liga 1 to PT Liga Indonesia Baru as the operator of the highest caste football league in Indonesia, Friday, February 21. The general chairman of BOPI Richard Sam Bera submitted the recommendation to organize Liga 1 to the President Director of PT Liga Indonesia Baru, Cucu Sumantri.

In submitting the recommendation, an integrity pact was also signed involving operators, clubs and associations of Indonesian professional football players, attended by representatives of the League 1 supporter community.

"We hope that the implementation of the 2020 League 1 season will be better, because in the reflection the last season, the implementation was also better than the previous season," said Richard in a written statement received by VOI.

Richard emphasized that the verification of League 1 participants includes, among others, club legal entities, taxation, player contracts, KITAS for foreign players and coaches, and permits to use the stadium.

"We emphasize that league management must be professional, by prioritizing business aspects that bring profit," said the former national swimming athlete who defended Indonesia in the three Olympics.

BOPI gives appreciation for the implementation of the 2019 League which did not cause any casualties. However, his party still noted the rioting.

"We remember last season, the day after the recommendation was given, the kick-off of Liga 1 was held, immediately there was a riot in the opening party between PSS and Arema at Maguwoharjo Stadium, Sleman," said Richard.

Richard reminded, LIB must be able to further improve the professional aspect by paying attention to the management of the club's management and obligations. And it must be ensured that when the competition ends in November, there are no arrears of salaries.

Richard also reminded the players to be professional, uphold sportsmanship, fair play, and be an example for all Indonesian people, especially inspiration for children.

"Our soccer players must prove that being a professional Indonesian footballer is a noble and proud profession," he explained.

For supporters, Richard emphasized, football club supporters are an integral part of the league. Supporters must be an asset and become an added value for the league so that the goal of making the best 2020 league in history can be achieved.

"Therefore, supporters hope to prioritize the value of sportsmanship tolerance and give respect to other supporters, clubs and the surrounding environment. Get rid of excessive hatred, "he said.

On the same occasion, President Director of PT Liga Indonesia Baru Cucu Sumantri appreciated BOPI for the verification process carried out by BOPI and efforts to realize the quality of competition even better.

"Hopefully, the problem of arrears in player salaries in the middle of the season will not happen again. We also hope that the relationship will be more intense with BOPI, not only during the process of issuing recommendations like this, "said Cucu.

Meanwhile, General Manager of the Indonesian Professional Footballers Association (APPI) Ponaryo Astaman who was present at this event was grateful, a number of problems between the player and the club have been resolved.

"We hope that there will be no more significant problems in the middle of the League 1 competition which starts on February 29," said the former captain of the Indonesian national team.

Ponaryo stated, APPI is ready to communicate, provide support and synergize with PT Liga Indonesia Baru for the advancement of Indonesian football.