Indonesian League 1 2021-2022 Officially Launched, Head Of PSSI: The Long-awaited Day Has Finally Come

PSSI general chairman Mochamad Iriawan (Photo: PSSI)

JAKARTA - BRI's top national football competition Liga 1 Indonesia 2021-2022 was officially launched today in a virtual ceremony attended by PSSI, PT Liga Indonesia Baru (LIB), BRI and other sponsors.

"This is extraordinary, the day we have been waiting for has finally come. God willing, Liga 1 2021-2022 will kick off on August 27, 2021," said PSSI General Chair Mochamad Iriawan in this event, Thursday, as reported by Antara.

Iriawan said that the return of Liga 1 was good news because for the past 1.5 years, Indonesia was unable to play the league due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Iriawan thanked all parties who have provided support for the ongoing League 1 such as the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Health, the BNPB / Task Force for Handling COVID-19 and the Police.

"League 1 will be held with strict health protocols. All matches will also take place without spectators, such as during the 2021 Menpora Cup pre-season tournament," said Sudjarno.

In the 2021-2022 season, Liga 1 will be supported by Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) as the main sponsor.

According to Iriawan, BRI's role cannot be separated from the initiative of the Minister of SOEs, Erick Thohir.

"When I visited Pak Erick's house, he said, 'I ordered BRI to support it'. Thank you, Pak Erick," he said.

Meanwhile, BRI President Director Sunarso explained that, in particular, there are three things that make BRI give full support to Liga 1 2021-2022.

First, basically BRI's business has a passion similar to football, which is enjoyed by all levels of society.

Second, BRI introduces its products through Liga 1 to the public and third, BRI realizes that football is an important means to stimulate the economy of the lower middle class community or MSMEs.

"BRI appreciates PSSI and LIB for giving us the opportunity to support the national football industry," said Sunarso.

The Indonesian League 1 season 2021-2022 will be held from August 27, 2021 to March 2022.

The format has not changed from the original plan, namely in six series with the match taking place in three clusters in the Java Island region.

After the certainty of League 1, PSSI and LIB will then roll out League 2. However, the implementation time and technical implementation will be determined later.