National anthems in soccer matches

National anthems in soccer matches

From Kompas

Whoever watched the recent Pre World Cup Group 9 Asian Zone
matches, broadcast live by RCTI, must have noticed a vital item
missing -- the national anthem Indonesia Raya -- at the beginning
of the matches, as they have been cut off by commercials. In
international tournaments recognized by FIFA (world soccer
federation), national anthems constitute an inseparable part of
the event themselves. Such an omission also occurred when
Indonesian elevens faced the Maldives team (Feb. 2) and the
Cambodian team (Feb. 22).

This is an irony because official matches between different
nations under the Asian Cup, European Cup, American Cup and World
Cup previously aired (in live hookups arranged by foreign
networks) had never placed commercials, or any other breaks,
while competitors were singing their native hymns.

ARVANDI HASTDIANTO

Jakarta