Distribution of alien players questioned

JAKARTA (JP): The All-Indonesia Football Association (PSSI) discovered yesterday a premature distribution of 21 Brazilian booters to 10 clubs, which will join the premier league next season.

The association's secretary-general, Soeparjo Pontjowinoto, told reporters after a meeting with Chairman Azwar Anas that PSSI would question deputy administrator of the league, Ismet Tahir, about the irregularity.

Ismet reportedly allowed the commercial manager of the league, Andy Soma, to release the Brazilians to the clubs without waiting for PSSI's approval.

"The distribution of foreign players requires a decree signed by the chairman," Soeparjo said, adding that neither Ismet nor Andy had consulted PSSI over the players' distribution before.

Soeparjo said that Ismet, who is going abroad until Sunday, is expected to clarify the matter during a meeting on Tuesday. The meeting will also review the organization of the previous league, which concluded in July.

"It's okay if Andy released the Brazilians with Ismet's consent, but they have to know the rules," Soeparjo said.

All the Brazilian players arrived here on Wednesday. Some of them have already joined work-outs prior to the new season which kicks off on Nov. 26.

Indocement Mataram of Yogyakarta signed three Brazilians, PSMS Medan two, Persikab Bandung two, PSIS Semarang two, Gelora Dewata Denpasar two, PSM Ujungpandang three, Semen Padang one, Medan Jaya of Medan three, Putra Samarinda one and Arema Malang two.

PSSI is requiring the premier league clubs to sign foreign players through the International Sports Agency. The budget for the new signings has reached more than Rp 2 billion (US$900,000).

In 1994, PSSI lifted the ban to import booters in an attempt to draw more spectators and improve the standard of local players. Persib Bandung, without any foreigners, won the league.

Soeparjo also said that yesterday's meeting, held at Azwar's Ministry of Social Welfare office, did not reach an agreement on the site for its national congress in December. The association has nominated Medan and Jakarta as the host of the congress, which will end with the election of a new chairman for the next eight-year term.

The congress will take place after the 18th Southeast Asian Games and will conclude on Dec. 17. (amd)