PSSI Decree Makes Arema FC Coach Farewell

Mario Gomez leaves as coach of Arema FC (Photo: Arema FC)

JAKARTA - Shocking news came from Arema FC. Management said the coach, Mario Gomez, chose to resign. The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) policy regarding contract renegotiation is the cause.

PSSI has issued two decrees in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, namely SKEP 48 and 53. In the two decrees, it was mentioned about contract renegotiation and salary cuts due to the impact of the pandemic. In SKEP 53, the cut was up to 50 percent.

Arema FC General Manager Ruddy Widodo said the former Persib Bandung and Borneo FC coach could not accept this situation and had said goodbye. Not only Gomez, his assistant Marcos Gonzales also left. When he said goodbye, Gomez admitted that he did not blame the club.

"He said he could not continue with the current situation," Ruddy told the media.

Arema management is still trying to convince Gomez and Gonzales to stay afloat. The reason is, all clubs are experiencing financial problems. Not only in Indonesia, but also abroad. However, the club nicknamed Singo Edan did not want to force and respect them if the two continued to opt out.

For the time being the training was led by three local assistant coaches. They are Charis Yulianto, Kuncoro, and Singgih Pitono. The three of them have led Arema FC's inaugural training which was held Monday 3 August.

Mario Gomez's decision clearly caused a headache for Arema's management. The reason is, the competition will start again in October. In a matter of two months, management must immediately find a solution so that preparations do not fall apart.