Jakarta. The conflict between Indonesia’s Sports Ministry and the country’s football association continued to deepen over the weekend, with the latter announcing an end to all competitions this year, after being forced to scrap the top-flight league.

At a meeting of its executive committee on Saturday, the Indonesian Football Association, or PSSI, cited “force majeure” in calling off all football competitions.

“All competitions — the Indonesian Super League, the Premier Division, the Nusantara Cup and the Soeratin Cup — are called off and declared finished due to unfortunate circumstances,” said deputy chairman Hinca Pandjaitan, as quoted on the PSSI website.

He said the federation had been “running on the right track” before being “disturbed” by outside parties, leading to the Sports Ministry’s decision on April 17 stating that the government no longer recognized the PSSI as legitimate sports organization and would not recognize any decisions made at an extraordinary congress of the PSSI that same day.

“Regretfully, I would like to apologize to all Indonesians. The decision applies to all members of the PSSI, such as clubs, match officials, etc. It’s very regrettable, but we have to keep our autonomy and independence,” Hinca said.

Players who had looked forward to playing in other competitions after the Indonesian Super League was cancelled last month after just two rounds of matches now face the prospect of not being able to play at all — and thus not being paid.

Asri Akbar of Sriwijaya FC said players and clubs would suffer from the decision.

“Of course clubs will suffer financially, because they’ve spent money but are getting no income. Players will be affected as there may be contract terminations,” Asri said as quoted by Antara.

The Sports Ministry on Thursday announced that it had ordered ISL administrator Liga Indonesia to continue the league with 18 clubs, claiming it would be more transparent, accountable and professional without the PSSI’s oversight.

However, PSSI counters that as world football governing body FIFA’s sole recognized national organizing body in Indonesia, the league will not be legitimate without its involvement. Liga Indonesia has not yet responded to the ministry’s proposal.

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Source: The Jakarta Globe