PSSI Cannot Ban Players From Participating In Parking, They Need To Eat

PSSI Chairman Mochamad Iriawan (left) shakes hands with Menpora Zainudin Amali (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - PSSI Chairman Mochamad Iriawan emphasized that his party could not prohibit the Indonesian League 1 and League 2 players from participating in the intercity tournament (tarkam) in the middle of the competition vacuum.

"We can only appeal. They do need work, they need food," said Iriawan at the Bung Karno Complex, Jakarta, Wednesday, as reported by Antara.

According to Iriawan, the only thing that can prevent players from shooting matches is the existence of competition.

Unfortunately, League 1 and 2 Indonesia have not been able to be held since they stopped in March 2020 due to the absence of permission from the Police.

Apart from tarkam, said Iriawan, he also knew that there were professional players who had to become motorcycle taxi drivers online and sell to make a living.

"Therefore, we are trying to keep the league rolling again. Hopefully the Police can give permission," said the retired Polri officer with the final rank of Police Commissioner General.

Indonesian League 1 and 2 for the 2021 season cannot run because they are blocked by the National Police's permission. However, preparations continue to be made by PSSI and competition operator PT Liga Indonesia Baru (LIB).

Although not yet licensed, PSSI and LIB are targeting Liga 1 and Liga 2 for the 2021 season to start after Lebaran 2021, around May or June.

Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Zainudin Amali also intervened so that the permit could be issued by meeting with the National Police Chief, General Police Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Monday (8/2).

On Wednesday, February 10, the Menpora also held a coordination meeting with PSSI, LIB, Polri and KONI at the Kemenpora Building, Jakarta, to discuss the technical implementation of health protocols in League 1 and 2 Indonesia 2021.