SEAG consortium's report due today

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)