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