Menpora Supports PSSI AFF Protests Regarding Allegations Of Vietnam Vs Thailand Elephant Football

Menpora Zainudi Amali (Cosmas Kopong Beda/VOI)

JAKARTA - Minister of Youth and Sports Zainudin Amali supports PSSI's move to file a lawsuit with the AFF regarding allegations of elephant football between Vietnam and Thailand.

Vietnam and Thailand were suspected of colluding in the final match of Group A of the 2022 AFF U-19 Cup. The two teams were judged to have deliberately drawn 1-1 to make Indonesia as the host eliminated.

"Yes, it's up to the federation. The federation can consider all of that," Amali said to the media crew at the Wisma Kemenpora on Tuesday, July 12.

Indonesia failed to reach the semifinals of the age group event because they lost head to head. Shin Tae-yong's squad is in third place in the standings with 11 points or equal to the collections of Vietnam and Thailand.

In the last match, Indonesia even won 5-1 over Myanmar. In total, Indonesia collected three wins and two draws from the five matches played.

Indonesia has a chance to qualify if in the last match there were winners from Vietnam and Thailand or both teams drew 0-0. In addition, the head to head rule used made Indonesia, who was very productive in scoring goals, be eliminated.

"So, it's up to PSSI's decision, meaning it has been carefully calculated. Whatever PSSI's decision is, we support it," said Amali.

The head to head regulation is a reference to determine the position of a team in the final standings. However, if you use goal productivity, Indonesia can qualify for the semifinals as group winners.

Meetings between Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, all ended goalless. That's what distinguishes the last match of Vietnam and Thailand which ended with two goals created.

"You have to accept it. Because the agreed regulations are like that. It's about head to head. If that's what you want to correct, then correct it after it's finished," said Amali.

PSSI plans to send a letter to the AFF as of today, Tuesday, July 12. However, the parent of national football has not confirmed whether it has taken this step or not.