The Club's Warm Welcome About The League 1 Competition Centered On The Island Of Java

JAKARTA - The League 1 competition will continue on October 1. In accordance with the decision of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), the match will be focused on the island of Java.

PSSI reportedly set Yogyakarta as the home base for six clubs outside Java. They were given the option of three stadiums to become cages, namely Maguwoharjo Sleman, Sultan Agung Bantul, and Mandala Krida Kota Yogyakarta.

President of Borneo FC, Nabil Husein, said that his party could understand the PSSI decision even though it was difficult. However, according to him, this step was efficient considering the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Competing in Java is right, everyone must accept,"

President of Borneo FC, Nabil Husein

Borneo FC itself reportedly chose Maguwoharjo Stadium as the home for the League 1 competition later. This stadium is also the choice of the Persiraja Banda Aceh club. The reason is, the quality of the stadium is not in doubt. As is known, Maguwoharjo Stadium is used by another Liga 1 club, PS Sleman.

Meanwhile, the other four clubs outside Java have not confirmed where they will live. They are PSM Makassar, Barito Putera, Bali United, and Persipura Jayapura. Even though they haven't chosen a new home, almost all of these clubs agree with the PSSI policy.

PSM CEO Munafri Arifuddih said this decision was taken so that the club could reduce operational costs when participating in competitions. In addition, it is also to facilitate transportation, considering that the current air route is somewhat difficult to do.

"In Java, you can take a bus," he said.

Meanwhile, PSSI's decision to focus the League 1 competition on Java Island also received a warm welcome from the captain of the Persela Lamongan team, Eky Taufiq. He said this policy would make it easier for the club, especially in terms of transportation. Players, he continued, have enough rest time because they are not too far away from away games.

"So we can rest better," he said.