Djafar admits fault, accepts PSSI ban

JAKARTA (JP): The All-Indonesian Soccer Federation (PSSI) referee committee's deputy chairman, Djafar Umar, has admitted fault in being involved in collusion between referees and soccer club officials.

"I admit fault and will accept the ban from PSSI. I will not appeal the ban," Djafar said yesterday.

The federation banned Djafar 20 years for his involvement in collusion and fired him through a letter dated Feb. 27. The letter was signed by PSSI chairman Azwar Anas and secretary Nugraha Besoes.

Djafar was allegedly found to be involved in collusion after an investigative team, headed by Adang Ruchiyatna, received information that Djafar had helped a number of clubs win several competitions in the fourth Indonesian league matches.

Djafar has urged all referees and competition inspectors to take heed of his case and learn from it.

"We should introspect and hope this does not happen again," Djafar said.

Djafar, 51, started his career as a referee in 1974 after obtaining a C-3 certificate. In 1985 he received a FIFA certificate and refereed in hundreds of local and overseas competitions.

Leak

Federation spokesman Tondo Widodo said Sunday that PSSI had not yet formally announced the ban on Djafar. But the termination letter was leaked to the media.

Tondo, a member of the investigative team, added that PSSI would punish other referees found to be involved in collusion.

The investigative team discovered five referees, including owners of FIFA certificates, had been involved in collusion. Even league club officials will not be excused if found guilty of collusion with "mafia-style practices," Antara reported.

Asked whether the PSSI would take anyone to court with its findings, Tondo said PSSI was still considering what action to take.

"PSSI has not taken action against referees or any officials involved in collusion. However, we have invited police detectives as observers in the case so we'll know the legal aspects," Tondo said.

State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sport Hayono Isman said Saturday he feared there was a possibility that Djafar did not work alone and that somebody else may have helped him with the collusion.

"I fear that Djafar did not act by himself and probably was helped by somebody else. The most important thing is that cases of collusion should be finalized completely," Hayono said. (lnt)