Azwar given second term at PSSI despite criticism<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian soccer continues its brave sail
\nacross the tides without changing its controversial captain.<\/p>\n
Incumbent chairman of the All-Indonesia Football Association
\nAzwar Anas remained unshakeable despite a flurry of strong
\ncriticism following Indonesia's SEA Games defeat and its modest
\ninternational performance throughout the year.<\/p>\n
Azwar unanimously won support to lead the association for the
\nnext four years on the opening day of its 31st national congress
\non Wednesday night, 24 hours earlier than originally scheduled.<\/p>\n
The congress, led by Amru Dualay and attended by a total of
\n833 representatives from the country's 27 provinces, also
\naccepted Azwar's accountability report.<\/p>\n
Azwar, who is also Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare,
\nhis face wreathed in smiles, gave no trace of fatigue despite the
\novernight duty as he received a throng of journalists after a
\ncabinet meeting led by President Soeharto yesterday.<\/p>\n
\"Thank you very much for the support given to me. I will work
\nhard to raise the standards in soccer in the next four years,\"
\nAzwar said.<\/p>\n
He also reported the result of the election to Soeharto during
\nthe cabinet meeting. \"Mr. President threw his weight behind my
\nreelection,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Azwar's reelection ended mounting rumors that the association
\nwould have a new head, following the upset defeat in SEA Games.
\nVice chairman of the National Sports Council Arie Sudewo was
\ndubbed the strongest contender for the association's top post.<\/p>\n
The surviving chairman denied yesterday that the organization
\nhe led in the past four years inherited nearly Rp 325 million of
\ndebts.<\/p>\n
\"Media report used the data as of November, which saw deficit
\nin our balance sheet because the debt payment was still in
\ndispute. We have already covered the debts and there is Rp 100
\nmillion cash left in our coffers,\" Azwar said.<\/p>\n
The congress gave Azwar one month to line up his new cabinet.<\/p>\n
An observer, Andi Darussalam Tabusala, said Azwar should name
\nonly professional staff in an attempt to improve national soccer
\nstandard. \"Don't pick people who just want to make a living from
\nthe association,\" Darussalam said. (amd)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/azwar-given-second-term-at-pssi-despite-criticism-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}