The world of Indonesian football has been thrown into disarray following the unexpected decision to cancel the Liga 2 and Liga 3 tournaments for the season, as well as the abolition of relegation in Liga 1. This decision has left football supporters outraged and the industry in a state of turmoil.
The decision to cancel the lower division tournaments was met with a mix of disbelief and disappointment. The Football Federation of Indonesia (PSSI) cited concerns related to security, scheduling conflicts with the upcoming 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, and the alleged request by a majority of Liga 2 contestants to cancel the season. However, it was quickly revealed that many teams had not actually supported the decision and accused certain clubs of forging signatures in the document calling for cancellation.
Clubs such as Gresik United, Karo United, and PSCS Cilacap claimed that their signatures were forged, and other teams stated that the documents they signed were misrepresented by the PSSI. They claimed that the only documents they had signed requested for the league to be postponed until management issues were resolved. This exposes the league to be rigged and manipulated for the financial benefit of certain struggling clubs, prompting an outcry from the affected clubs and their supporters.
Moreover, the cancellation of Liga 2 has led to the abolition of relegation in Liga 1 for the season. This has created concerns about the integrity of the competition as teams at the bottom of the table now have nothing to play for and may be tempted to field weakened squads, potentially opening the door to match-fixing.
These controversial decisions have cast a shadow over the remainder of the current Liga 1 season, with fears that the competition’s legitimacy may be compromised. The lack of clarity and transparency in the decision-making process has not only angered football enthusiasts but has also tarnished the reputation of the sport in Indonesia.
Despite the upheavals, the second half of the Liga 1 season has kicked off, albeit with a few matches being postponed due to security issues and logistical challenges. However, the perturbing decisions made by the PSSI continue to loom over the football landscape in Indonesia.
It is evident that Indonesian football is facing a critical juncture, and the need for reform and transparency is essential to restore the credibility and integrity of the sport. The recent controversies serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that the football industry in Indonesia needs to address in order to sustain its growth and regain the trust of its passionate supporters and stakeholders.
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