PSSI believes report on collusion practices

JAKARTA (JP): The All Indonesian Soccer Federation (PSSI) believes practices of collusion between referees and clubs exist.

PSSI spokesman Tondo Widodo said Thursday an association investigative team headed by Adang Ruchiatna uncovered alleged collusive practices after collecting data and questioning a number of witnesses.

"Many referees were found to be involved in collusion. The team also discovered that competition officials and certain club members were involved in the collusion," Antara quoted Tondo as saying Thursday.

Tondo said the team suspected at least 10 people have been involved in collusive practices. "Fortunately, there were no players involved."

Tondo, however, admitted that PSSI was surprised about the alleged collusion.

"We believe there is cooperation between referees and club members. I consider this mafia-style practices," Tondo said.

PSSI recently formed the investigative team to look into reports of collusion from a team manager.

PSSI is still investigating the dimensions of the case.

"The team will not identify the names of referees and club members involved in the collusion. Investigations are still being conducted since we want to clarify the matter completely," Tondo said.

Endang Sobarna, manager of the Bandung Persikab club, prompted the association into action when he reported that he was once approached by a referee to participate in collusive practices.

Endang claimed that a referee he identified as N offered to help Badung Persikab win to enter the 12th round of the Indonesian league tournaments or even the semifinals.

The referee reportedly asked for Rp 15 million in return for his help. (lnt)