League 2 Scheduled To Roll Out September 26, But Subject To Government Recommendations

JAKARTA - President Director of PT Liga Indonesia Baru (LIB) Akhmad Hadian Lukita said the schedule for the 2021 Liga 2 season depends on recommendations from the government, although LIB plans to roll it out starting September 26, 2021.

"We plan to start Liga 2 on September 26. However, what will happen to the government, we must not precede," said Akhmad Hadian to Antara, Wednesday.

LIB, said the man from West Java, will immediately submit a recommendation proposal to the government after the verification process for the 11 prospective host stadiums is complete. Verification is expected to be completed by Thursday at the latest.

What is meant by the government in this case are BNPB/Covid-19 Task Force for Handling, Coordinator of PPKM Java-Bali who is also Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Pandjaitan and Coordinator of PPKM Outside Java-Bali/Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto.

The proposal will also include the stadiums. Thus, the government can consider which areas are eligible to hold a League 2 group stage match, in accordance with the COVID-19 conditions or PPKM status there, and provide recommendations.

"That's because the government must know a representative place," said Akhmad Hadian.

Meanwhile, regarding the division of the 2021 Liga 2 preliminary group, Akhmad Hadian confirmed that it would be carried out by LIB and PSSI with reference to the results of stadium verification.

"So, for example, the verification results were collected on Thursday (16/9), we held a plenary meeting with PSSI the next day. PSSI and LIB will determine the group and a few days after that a manager meeting will be held," said Akhmad Hadian.

The 2021 League 2 season qualification will be held in four groups and in a double round robin format.

Later, each group will be held in a different area. The host of the group stage is one of the clubs in the group.

There are 11 clubs that have nominated themselves to host the group phase, namely PSMS Medan, PSPS Riau, Sriwijaya FC, RANS Cilegon FC, Martapura Dewa United FC, PSKC Cimahi, Persekat Tegal, PSCS Cilacap, Persis Solo, Kalteng Putra FC and Persiba Balikpapan.