FIFA And AFC Will Come To Indonesia Imbas Tragedy Kanjuruhan

Illustration of the tragedy in Kanjuruhan Malang. (Photo via Antara)

JAKARTA - PSSI Referee Committee Chairman Ahmad Riyadh confirmed that FIFA and AFC would visit Indonesia regarding the tragedy of Kanjuruhan which claimed the lives of hundreds of supporters.

So far, the two international football authorities have not imposed sanctions on Indonesia due to the deaths of at least 125 Arema supporters in the tragedy at the Kanjuruhan Stadium on Saturday, October 1.

"FIFA and AFC will have visits. Hopefully they support the steps that have been taken and so far PSSI continues to coordinate," Riyadh said in a virtual press conference, Tuesday, October 4.

The deaths of hundreds of supporters have drawn the attention of international football. Indonesia is most likely to receive severe sanctions from FIFA following the tragic tragedy.

Many parties say that the number of fatalities that fell was due to the police's decision to shoot tear gas at the audience. In fact, the use of tear gas in the stadium is prohibited by FIFA.

In addition, another factor that is suspected to be the cause of many lives being lost is the overflow of the audience exceeding the capacity of the stadium. Riyadh confirmed that there was an appeal from the police so that the capacity used was only 75 percent.

"Regarding the stadium, the capacity was 45 thousand in verification but 42 thousand were printed. The police did issue an appeal for 75 percent, but when the signal came out, tickets were sold out so security was added," he said.

This incident made PSSI have imposed sanctions for Arema FC as the host based on the results of the Disciplinary Commission session. The punishment prohibits Arema from holding matches with spectators as the host until the 2022/2023 League 1 season is over.

Then, Arema also has to play host in another place far from their home base in Malang. With the condition, the location in question must be at least 250 kilometers away.

Chairman of the Panpel Abdul Haris and Security Officer Suko Sutrisno also received punishments. Both are considered negligent in carrying out their duties so that they are prohibited from doing activities in national football for life.