JAKARTA - President Director of PT Liga Indonesia Baru (LIB), Ferry Paulus, explained the reason why the Indonesian League 2 final between PSIM Yogyakarta and Bhayangkara FC on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, which was originally held at the Mandala Krida Stadium, Yogyakarta, was moved to Manahan Stadium, Solo.
Ferry said one of the reasons was because the League 2 final would use a video assistant referee (VAR).
According to him, Manahan Stadium is familiar with using VAR. The stadium was the first VAR test site in the EPA U-20 final last season.
This season, VARs at the stadium are also used for League 1 matches for hosts Persis Solo and other teams.
"First, League 2 we will use VAR, maybe because time delays, extra time, and penalty shootouts. At Mandala Krida, it is not possible. Mandala Krida does not have a light," said Ferry.
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"Another alternative is at the Sultan Agung Stadium (Bantul). Part of the place is the Sultan Agung, there is a ban on supporters."
"So, reconciliation with PSIM, as a club that has the right to host, which is most appropriate in Solo, is all available in Solo. The infrastructure must also be adequate because of VAR," said Ferry.
Meanwhile, quoted from the official website of PSIM, the management made this decision because the schedule for the League 2 final match coincided with other scheduled events that had long been planned at the Mandala Krida Stadium.
"We recognize the potential disappointment that may arise as a result of the change in the location of the 2024/2025 League final, especially for loyal PSIM supporters who have been waiting for the match at home," reads a written statement from PSIM management.
Regarding VAR, not only the League 2 final match will use it. The match for third place which is the last ticket to Liga 1 next season between Persijap Jepara and PSPS Pekanbaru on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the Gelora Bumi Kartini Stadium also uses VAR.
"Yes, we used VAR (trade third place)," said Ferry.
Unlike Manahan Stadium, Gelora Bumi Kartini Stadium will first use VAR.
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