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)