Menpora's Unexpected Attitude On PSSI And Shin Tae-yong Problems

Minister of Youth and Sports, Zainudin Amali (Photo: Kemenpora)

JAKARTA - The relationship between the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) and the Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong, is heating up. This 'drama' also involved Indra Sjafri, as the Technical Director of PSSI.

Of course, this problem is disturbing the preparation of the Indonesian national team. Moreover, a big deal is waiting, namely the U-20 World Cup which will be held in 2021.

As the host, Indonesia is expected not only to be successful in its implementation, but also to achieve achievements. The government has clearly echoed this through President Joko Widodo.

So what is the attitude of the government, in this case the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Menpora), seeing the current chaos? Menpora Zainudin Amali admitted that he would continue to monitor.

However, he emphasized that he did not want to get too involved in the problems that occurred between PSSI and Shin Tae-yong. It is feared that the government is judged to have intervened to result in sanctions from the World Football Federation (FIFA).

Menpora said the government provided the opportunity for PSSI to concentrate on forming the Indonesian national team. Kemenpora, he continued, provides support to the national football parent.

"However, (we) do not want to go too deep, if the government goes too deep it will be considered as intervention because there is a FIFA statute," said the Menpora on the official website of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

"The government is in charge of providing support, therefore if asked about the news between PSSI and the coach, we monitor the progress, the contracting is not the government and the coach, but PSSI and the coach. So please resolve it properly, don't fight statements," said the Minister from Gorontalo. this.

As previously reported, Shin Tae-yong made scathing comments for PSSI during an interview with South Korean media. In the interview, the former coach of the South Korean national team also insinuated Indra Sjafri's appointment as Director of the PSSI.

This statement drew reactions from PSSI and Indra Sjafri. In fact, Indra Sjafri "counterattacked" Shin Tae-yong through the PSSI official website. He mentioned the coach's comments because he was no longer confident in being able to bring the Indonesian national team to win.