Players blamed for own goal in Tiger Cup match
JAKARTA (JP): The All Indonesia Soccer Federation (PSSI) concluded on Tuesday that two national team defenders responsible for a deliberate own goal in a crucial Tiger Cup match against Thailand recently had defied their coach's instructions.
PSSI secretary general Nugraha Besoes admitted after a marathon questioning session with coach Rusdy Bahalwan that Indonesia did not want to win the final group match, but neither Rusdy or team manager Andrie Amien had ordered their players to score an own goal.
"Both players were acting on their own initiative when they plotted the own goal," Nugraha said.
Mursyid Effendy stroked the ball into his own net after receiving a defensive pass from Kuncoro in the dying seconds of the match to give Thailand an unwanted 3-2 win. The result earned Thailand a semifinal meeting with host Vietnam.
However the federation failed to announce what disciplinary measures would be imposed on the two errant players. Nugroho said the federation was awaiting the return of chairman Agum Gumelar, who is currently in Malaysia, before deciding on how to punish the two players.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) suspended both Indonesia and Thailand from international matches pending a report from a special fact-finding team. The special team will finish its job in October.
"We have to accept this sanction and we only hope that the AFC will consider abolishing it soon," Nugraha said.
Earlier in the day, former national coach Henk Wullems expressed disappointment that Rusdy's squad deliberately let in an own goal in their match against Thailand.
"People cannot put the blame on the players only. The match was memalukan (shameful)," said the Dutch coach.
He questioned the AFC's decision to suspend Indonesia and Thailand from all international matches until further notice.
"Well, it's really a pity if the AFC bans Indonesia. We can't groom athletes without competition," he said. He was also surprised to learn that this might mean Indonesia is unable to play in next year's qualifying round for the 2000 Olympics.
Wullems met National Sports Council chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar to discuss an offer by the Dutch government, through its national soccer association KNVB, to provide technical assistance to the troubled Indonesian soccer authorities.
Wullems said the KNVB would probably assign him and some of his colleagues to help the PSSI improve its organizational skills, athletes' development program and competition arrangements.
"Now it depends on the new PSSI leadership. If they want me to coach the national team, I'll think it over," he told a media conference after the meeting.
Wullems added he would meet Agum next week.
The Dutchman is on a nostalgic vacation to Indonesia with his wife. He guided the national soccer team to the silver medal in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games last year. Indonesia lost to Thailand on penalties in an eventful final marred by hooliganism.
PSSI did not extend its contract with Wullems following a deadlock in negotiations over Wullems' monthly salary which, in rupiah terms, had soared due to the rupiah's depreciation against the U.S. dollar.
Wullems said it was the Netherlands' internal affairs minister, Bram Peper, who asked him to develop Indonesian soccer. Peper is a good friend of President B.J. Habibie.
"If PSSI agrees to accept our offer, I will need support from other Dutch coaches to arrange coaching clinics and programs for young players and clubs, and help PSSI improve its organizational structure," he said.
Wullems said Indonesia needed more knowledge and experience to manage the national team as well as develop the sport.
"It'll take about 10 years before Indonesian soccer performs better. Young players need opportunities to play and compete," he said. (yan/lnt)