Many Indonesian League 1 Players Positive For COVID-19, Menpora Reminds PSSI To Tighten Health Protocols

Menpora Zainudin Amali (Kemenpora PR)

JAKARTA - Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Zainudi Amali paid special attention to PSSI regarding the findings of players from the Indonesian League 1 who were infected with COVID-19. The findings of this case made the Minister of Youth and Sports directly coordinate with the parent of the national football. He reminded that the highest event in Indonesian football should tighten health protocols.

"I want to remind you that if the initial commitments that have been agreed upon are not heeded, it will disrupt the smooth running of the competition," said the Menpora in an official statement received by VOI.

"I have coordinated with PSSI, asking about the exposure of several Liga 1 players. I have asked PSSI to remind the participating clubs of Liga 1 to tighten the process according to their commitments as agreed before the start of League 1," continued the Menpora.

Information so far says there are 4 teams whose players have been confirmed to have COVID-19. The four teams are Persib Bandung, Persebaya Surabaya, PSM Makassar, and Persija Jakarta.

Persib coach Robert Alberts previously confirmed nine positive players. He conveyed this after the match against Persikabo, Saturday 29 night.

"Referring to the results of the periodic PCR examination carried out by Persib recently, there were nine players who tested positive for COVID-19," wrote a Persib statement.

The nine players who have tested positive for the corona virus are still being kept secret by Maung Bandung. The players do not have any symptoms and have started the self-quarantine process.

The same thing was experienced by Persebaya Surabaya in the midst of preparing to face PSS Sleman. The fixtures for the two teams will take place on Saturday, January 29 night.

The team made by Aji Santoso confirmed that there were 3 players who had tested positive for COVID-19. However, the identities of the three players remain secret.

"Based on the results of the PCR swab test, there are three Persebaya players who have tested positive for Covid-19. There were no symptoms whatsoever in the three players. All of them are now undergoing quarantine, in accordance with the direction of PT LIB and the Covid-19 Task Force in Bali," the club said in a statement.

Even without several players, Persebaya managed to bring home the maximum number from the match against PSS. Taisei Marukawa's single goal in the 50th minute successfully gave Bajul Ijo three points.

Persib also managed to get three points after successfully defeating Persikabo. Maung Bandung's winning goal was scored by Kakang Rudianto in the middle of the first half.