Congress to spare PSSI from FIFA sanctions: PSSI

Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI) acting secretary general Djoko Driyono said the association's upcoming congress was being held to avoid Indonesia from receiving sanctions from world soccer governing body FIFA.

Djoko made the statement following a recent demand issued to PSSI by Sriwijaya FC soccer club for Rp 3.5 billion in insurance compensation in relation to possibile FIFA sanctions.

If FIFA imposed sanctions on the PSSI, it would mean Sriwijaya, one of Indonesia's representatives in the AFC Asian Champions League, would be sidelined from the competition automatically, he said.

Djoko said he hoped the congress would help ensure the future of Indonesian soccer.

"There is no need for insurances because even without them we have the same spirit. The congress is being held to keep our interest alive in competing in the AFC, AFF U-23, Futsal and Pre-World Cup competitions," he said as quoted by kompas.com. (awd)