FIFA Writes To Indonesian Government Warning Against Meddling

FIFA has written to the Indonesian government, asking the Minister of Youth & Sports to "stop meddling in the running of the local football league," according to Julian Linden of REUTERS. A FIFA spokesperson said that if the Indonesian government did not comply with the request, "FIFA could impose possible sanctions." These could include a ban from playing int'l competitions. FIFA takes a "dim view of government interference in football and a ban could prevent Indonesia from participating in the qualifying tournaments" for the 2018 World Cup and 2019 Asian Cup. The Indonesian Professional Sports Agency (BOPI), sanctioned by the Youth & Sports Ministry, wanted Persebaya Surabaya and Arema Indonesia blocked from competing, "but the league and football association (PSSI) ignored them." The PSSI relented on Friday, saying it will "halt the league, prompting FIFA's letter to the Indonesian government" (REUTERS, 4/11).