0 Roy Suryo Threatens Football Groups’ Existence

Soon-to-be Youth and Sports Minister Roy Suryo has said that disbanding either — or both — of Indonesia’s feuding football organizations might be one way to mend the country’s broken football system. Roy, who will be sworn in today, said that if by March 16 the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) and the Indonesian Football Savior Committee (KPSI) could not agree to unite, a dissolution of either or both would be considered. “FIFA has given us a deadline of March 16. 

So, we have to solve the problems by then,” he said, referring to world football’s governing body. It was previously reported that FIFA had given Indonesia until March 30 to get its house in order or face sanctions. The minister-to-be said fixing the country’s football was his first priority. “I have neither interests nor attachment to the … PSSI and KPSI. So, God willing, I will solve it,” said Roy, a self-proclaimed telecommunications expert. The conflict began in early 2011 but Indonesia has managed to escape FIFA sanctions twice. 

A July 9, 2011, congress that elected Djohar Arifin Husin as PSSI chairman exacerbated tensions and led to the establishment of the breakaway KPSI in December of that year. The two sides have traded barbs and made several failed attempts to reconcile ever since. Some have blamed the division on competition between two of the country’s most influential families — Panigoro and Bakrie — to win control of Indonesian football and its millions of fans across the country. 

Indonesian Premier League financier Arifin Panigoro, supported by the KPSI, and former PSSI Vice Chairman Nirwan Bakrie are the men said to be behind the dispute. With such powerful players, some have pessimistically assessed Roy’s ability to broker a solution as minister. Golkar Party politician Andi Sinulingga said Roy possessed neither a sporting background, nor experience in settling conflicts. “Ministerial posts should be filled by those who have competency in their field. Sports minister must be occupied by figures who understand sports, not a telecommunications expert,” he said.

source : the jakarta globe