It's Official, The Minister of Youth and Sports Announces Rolling League 1 On August 27

Menpora Zainudin Amali (right) and Head of PSSI Mochamad Iriawan (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Zainudin Amali in a virtual conference on Monday, officially announced that the Liga 1 football competition will be starting on August 27, or a week behind the previously scheduled on August 20.

The date was set in accordance with the results of a coordination meeting with other stakeholders such as the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), PT Liga Indonesia Baru (LIB), the National Police, and the National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB)/Covid-19 Handling Task Force.

"After the discussion, it was agreed to start Liga 1 on August 27 and Liga 2, two weeks later. This decision was made after seeing a significant reduction and the implementation of micro Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) or the current one with a certain level", Amali said in a virtual conference, Monday, quoted by Antara.

According to Menpora Amali, no one objected to the agreement. His party has also communicated with related parties such as PSSI.

"PSSI has no objection to what we have decided. So technically they will immediately prepare", Amali added.

Regarding the location, Amali said PSSI and LIB will determine and choose a place where the spread of COVID-19 is at a low level.

Menpora, PSSI, LIB, BNPB, and the National Police have agreed that League 1 will be played in areas with COVID-19 status two and below.

Level two means that there are 20-50 cases of COVID-19 in the area per 100 thousand inhabitants every week, inpatient conditions of 5-10 people per 100 thousand inhabitants per week, and a death rate of fewer than two people per 100 thousand inhabitants.

"What is important is that there is a date for certainty for clubs and players. That's why I officially announce with the approval of the parties concerned, namely August 27. The technical issue is very strict and disciplined more than the previous one", Amali said.

According to the Minister of Youth and Sports, the implementation of Liga 1 will take place referring to previous experiences when organizing the Menpora Cup pre-season tournament.

"We already have experience in the Menpora Cup. And we will use the bubble system and there will be sanctions if anyone violates it", he said.