SEAG consortium's report due today

JAKARTA (JP): The 19th SEA Games consortium has been asked to submit its accountability report on its management of the Games budget to State Minister for Youth Affairs and Sport Hayono Isman today.

Imam Suyudi, the minister's assistant, said Monday the report would be submitted at a meeting in the minister's office.

"In the meeting, we will listen to the consortium's report on whether it had any problems with funding or within the consortium. The minister will then submit the report to the House of Representatives," Imam said after opening a training and upgrading course for professional boxing managers Monday.

He said the meeting would also discuss the sale of SEA Games stickers. He denied there were problems with the sticker sales.

The stickers were sold by a number of government institutions such as the state electricity company, telecommunications company and vehicle owner registration company.

"The institutions have properly sold stickers without problems. If there was a problem, it was possibly caused by the lateness of the report," he said.

Imam, however, was of the opinion that selling stickers to raise money for sports was not a good idea.

"If possible, we should avoid selling stickers for sports because I fear the funds could be diverted by irresponsible people."

He said the boxing training and upgrading course was important especially for the promotion of boxing in the country.

"Boxing is one of the sports in which Indonesians have good winning prospects. Through the training and upgrading course, it is expected that boxing will be further developed to achieve world recognition."

PSSI

Meanwhile, Hayono has urged the All Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) to investigate allegations of collusion among referees in league competitions and stamp out the practice if it exists.

"If it is discovered there are referees involved in the collusion, PSSI should take action and if necessary take it to court," Hayono said Monday as quoted by Antara.

He said that should the practice of collusion be ignored it could tarnish the reputation of soccer in the country.

He also said that referees should not be the only ones to face sanctions and that irresponsible club officials involved in rigging the league results should also be punished.

"I urge that no collusion is practiced in league tournaments. PSSI must take a firm stance against referees and club officials," Hayono said. (lnt)