COVID-19 Cases Are Still High, PSSI Postponed The 2020 League 1 And League 2 Seasons

PSSI Chairman Mochamad Iriawan

JAKARTA - PSSI has officially postponed the continued implementation of the League 1 and League 2 seasons 2020. This decision was taken after the Indonesian National Police (Polri) did not give permission to the crowd because COVID-19 cases were still high.

"The National Police for the time being has not given permission to the crowd because of the high number of COVID-19 cases. We are also aware of the facts on the ground. Therefore, PSSI respects and understands this decision," said PSSI Chairman Mochamad Iriawan as quoted by Antara, Tuesday, September 29.

PSSI, Iriawan continued, understood that the consideration of the Police was the safety of all parties and humanity.

Moreover, the National Police Chief General Idham Azis had previously issued an edict prohibiting his staff from issuing crowd permits at all levels.

However, PSSI hopes that the postponement of the competition will only last for one month.

If it is more than a month, Iriawan said the effect could be bad for national football.

"PSSI asked to be postponed until next month because if it starts in November 2020, it can be finished in March 2021 so that there is time to prepare for the U-20 World Cup. For example, starting in December 2020 it will be completed in April and there is Ramadan. there is the U-20 World Cup, "said the retired Polri officer with the final rank of Commissioner General.

Meanwhile, if he thinks that the competition cannot at all take place, Iriawan emphasized that it could cut a generation of national football and have an impact on Indonesia's participation in AFC and FIFA competitions.

"However, PSSI respects the decisions of the government and the National Police," he said.

Iriawan also asked all national football stakeholders from players, coaches, officials, clubs, supporters to other elements in the green field ecosystem to accept with the chest field the postponement of the competition.

"I beg you to keep up the spirit, follow and respect what the government has decided through the Police. This decision really puts forward humanitarian reasons," said Iriawan.

The League 1 continuation season 2020 was originally scheduled to take place from October 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021.

Liga 2 Indonesia 2020 was previously planned to roll on 17 October-5 December 2020.