FIFA warns PSSI over use of firecrackers
FIFA warns PSSI over use of firecrackers
JAKARTA (JP): The international soccer body (FIFA) warned the
Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) about the unruly behavior
of local sports fans when Indonesia hosted the 2002 World Cup
Asia zone Group Nine qualifying match at Bung Karno stadium in
the Senayan sports complex on Sunday.
PSSI Secretary General Tri Goestoro told reporters on Tuesday
that match commissioner Pham Ngoc Vien of Vietnam, who was
assigned by FIFA, had given a verbal warning on Monday after
witnessing the setting off of firecrackers during the match,
which saw Indonesia crush the Maldives 5-0.
"I admitted that there was no comprehensive inquiry before the
match. We'll improve on the procedures. In the next match, there
will be a thorough examination before spectators enter the
stadium and we will also coordinate with the security officers to
prevent spectators flocking onto the field," he said.
PSSI officials immediately held a meeting on Monday evening
after receiving the warning, to discuss the precautions used when
Indonesia hosts Cambodia on April 22.
"We could be fined after the incident and the worst
possibility is that we will not be allowed to host China in our
last qualifying match on May 27," Tri said, adding that the
amount of the penalty would be likely to exceed US$5,000.
Based on the report from the security officers, the
firecrackers came from the Jak-mania side, a group of Jakarta-
based Persija supporters who received 50 percent discounts from
ticket sales to see the match.
"We shall still give the half price tickets to supporters
groups but we hope they will be well-behaved," Tri said.
PSSI officials also discussed a criticism from chairman Agum
Gumelar who saw spectators rush onto the pitch to cheer their
favorite players at the end of the match.
The incident could encourage FIFA or the Asian Football
Confederation (AFC) to reduce Indonesia's winning points.
"Pak Agum asked us to improve the security system for the
soccer fans," said Tri.
In a related development, national team coach Benny Dolo
refused to disclose his strategy against Cambodia.
"I must assess the performance of the team members, both
individually and as a team," he said.
Speaking about the players' fitness, Benny said there would be
no time for him to improve the players' physical fitness in the
remaining two weeks of training for the World Cup qualifier.
"Clubs must be responsible for their players' physical
training programs. It's impossible to make any improvement at
this training ground due to limited time.
"Physical training causes exhaustion and a player who suffers
severe fatigue needs longer time for recovery," he explained.
(ivy)