O

n the soccer field, Indonesia’s performance remains a cause for concern, especially after three successive defeats that have virtually dashed the country’s long-held dream of playing in the World Cup.

Off the field, sadly, Indonesian soccer has apparently never been free from humiliating quarrels involving members of the national soccer elite. Over the last few weeks, the soccer community has been witnessing a spat between the Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI) and a group of 14 clubs. If the dispute remains unresolved, it will jeopardize the credibility of Indonesia’s professional league.

The league kicked off Saturday with Persib Bandung hosting Semen Padang at the newly inaugurated Jalak Harupat Stadium. But the final whistle of the match only served to mark the beginning of uncertainties plaguing the competition.

The second and third match on the calendar failed to materialize on technical grounds — a sight unlikely seen among Europe or even in Asia’s top leagues in Japan or South Korea. Defending champion Persipura refused to play its first match at Persiba Bantul in Yogyakarta on Sunday because of administrative constraints, and then on Monday Deltras Sidoarjo declined to entertain fellow East Javanese club Persema Malang, citing the absence of a PSSI license for the visiting players.

All the mess began when the PSSI, under its new chairman Djohar Arifin Husin, decided on Sept. 23 to increase the number of clubs eligible to join the league, from 18 to 24. Previously, the soccer body had proposed that the competition feature 32 teams that would be divided into west and east conferences.

The new league was organized in an effort to reconcile the Indonesian Super League administered by PSSI under the ousted chairman, Nurdin Halid, and breakaway Indonesian Premier League sponsored by businessman Arifin Panigoro. Despite its reconciliatory aim, the new league has been cited as contravening PSSI statutes that were endorsed at its Bali congress in January. These statutes stipulate that the professional league is restricted to 18 clubs, and any changes to that number must be made at a congress.

In response to the PSSI’s controversial decision, 14 clubs, including Persipura and Deltras, have threatened to set up a rival league under the old management, PT Liga Indonesia.

The PSSI has set an Oct. 26 deadline for the dissenting clubs to confirm their entry in the official league, whose brand, Indonesian Premier League, insinuates the interests of power brokers behind the new PSSI regime.

With a new episode of division looming, the PSSI cannot leave the voices of outspoken clubs unheeded. It would be wiser for the association to refrain from forcing its will upon any party that opposes its policy, instead promoting dialogue.

The brand-new PSSI emerged following concerns of blatant violations of the organization’s regulations by its former chairman, but what the public can expect from the change of guard if it only results in the same violations of the rule of the game?

The PSSI cannot wait for the world soccer body, FIFA, to intervene. Nor can the PSSI hope to administer a professional league and a breeding ground for talented players if it fails to adhere to professionalism itself.