Call PSSI Must Be Disassembled In Total, Erick Thohir: It Doesn't Mean I Hate Anyone

Erick Thohir (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - SOE Minister Erick Thohir said that PSSI must be completely dismantled in order to create a better Indonesian football ecosystem and improve the achievements of the national team.

This was conveyed by Erick in response to proposals from a number of parties who wanted him to run in the PSSI general chairman candidate exchange. Erick, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), did not refuse or openly state that he was willing to run in the nomination. He only said he would consider the proposal if he received a lot of support from the PSSI voters or members.

However, Erick emphasized that PSSI must close ranks in order to create a better league and an outstanding national team.

"We have to dismantle it, which means dismantling culture, management, sponsorship, media. The media also don't buy (circular rights) leagues for cheap payments. If the Premier League is paid (circular rights) are expensive but the Indonesian League is cheap," said Erick, quoting Antara, Sunday.

"Total damage doesn't mean I blame anyone... How to create a better national team, a better league... then everything must be transparent and well managed," he added.

The former Inter Milan president also mentioned the number of naturalized players in Indonesian football clubs. Even though the club should have been able to start honing the abilities of young players.

He said Japan and South Korea, for example, are now two Asian football teams that can penetrate the dominance of Europe and South America. The two countries were able to penetrate the last 16 of Qatar's 2022 World Cup because of the continuous development they have carried out even for decades, including by giving young players the opportunity to play more games with the club.

"How do we want to have a good national team, but field facilities, training is not optimal. Competitions for young players are not optimal, mostly naturalization,"

"I don't like naturalization, but if there is a lot of naturalization in one club. We don't blame the club, but we have to sit down with the club, apply strategies so that there are young players, naturalized players and foreign players," he said.