Persebaya Value Of The Green Light Of The Central COVID-19 Task Force Doesn't Guarantee The Competition Can Run

Club Liga 1, Persebaya Surabaya (Photo: Persebaya Surabaya)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has taken all necessary steps to ensure that the League 1 competition continues on October 1. One of them is by meeting with the Central COVID-19 Handling Task Force, some time ago.

During the meeting, Head of the COVID-19 Handling Task Force, Doni Monardo, gave the green light to PSSI to hold a competition. However, there are several conditions that must be met. One of them is the implementation of strict health protocols.

The green light from the COVID-19 Handling Task Force did not immediately change the stance of a number of clubs that refused to continue the competition. Persebaya Surabaya for example, which remains at its point of refusing to continue the competition amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The problem is this, how can PSSI as a federation, PT LIB as an operator, issue a good concept, which makes this club comfortable to continue the competition," said the manager of Persebaya Surabaya, Chandra Wahyudi, in a talk on the YouTube account of one of the national television stations.

"Now in a situation like this, which in the two months before kick-off, we have not received this comfort. There are several details that PSSI and PT LIB must answer so that the club feels comfortable," he added.

Persebaya appreciates PSSI's step in meeting the COVID-19 Handling Task Force. However, that does not guarantee that the competition can continue. The reason is, the club does not necessarily get permission to hold a match from the Regional COVID-19 Handling Task Force. Moreover, Persebaya which is based in Surabaya, an area that is included in the black zone category.

"Maybe things like this, which must be anticipated by the federation and PT Liga. If there is a club that does not get permission to play in the area, what kind," said Candra.

"This must be thought about, not only thinking about the sweet promises that the league will run, but the details so that the club feels comfortable," he continued.

Meanwhile, PSSI Acting Secretary General Yunus Nusi said that his party would still meet with the COVID-19 Handling Task Force. In the follow-up meeting, technical matters will be discussed. At that time, an MoU will also be signed.

"Later, after everything is finished, we will convey it, we will disseminate it in detail to our club friends," said Yunus Nusi.