The Indonesian Super League has set itself "on a collision course with the government after ignoring a recommendation to disqualify two teams in the new season over concerns about the clubs' owner," according to Patrick Johnston of REUTERS. The Indonesian Professional Sports Agency (BOPI), sanctioned by the Youth & Sports Ministry, "has already delayed the season for six weeks" while it reviewed the 18 clubs "after growing sick of mismanagement and financial problems in the corruption-marred league." Arema Indonesia and Persebaya Surabaya "were both red flagged by BOPI." BOPI Chair Noor Aman said, "Arema Indonesia and Persebaya Surabaya failed to get our recommendations due to conflicting ownership." Iman Suroso, the head of the verification team, said that it was "ready to take legal action if any team objected but the ISL did not flinch at the threats." PT Liga Indonesia League Administrator Chair Joko Driyono said, "What do recommendations mean? Those recommendations are only used as a reference for us to obtain match permits from the police. Our decision regarding 18 clubs has not changed." Joko "is unlikely to want to lose any more teams from the league having seen the number cut from 20 when Persik Kediri and Persiwa Wamena were relegated earlier this year because of financial trouble" (REUTERS, 4/2).
