PSSI believes report on collusion practices

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)