T

he Independence Cup is set to kick off next week following a meeting between President Joko '€œJokowi'€ Widodo and Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nachrawi at the State Palace on Friday.

In the wake of a national soccer crisis marked by the stoppage of domestic tournaments and Indonesia'€™s isolation from international tournaments, the President was reported to be in support of two planned tournaments, with the other being the President Cup.

'€œIn line with the President'€™s directive, this provides momentum for introspection for all clubs,'€ Imam said after the meeting.

Jokowi also received club managers from the main division, members of the transition team overseeing reform in national soccer and Erick Thohir, vice president commissioner of PT Mahaka Media (ABBA).

Indonesia was banned by the world soccer body FIFA from international tournaments following Imam'€™s move to suspend the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI), which was regarded by FIFA as a governmental intervention in its national affiliate.

The PSSI was blamed by the ministry for not following its recommendation to exclude Persebaya Surabaya and Arema Indonesia from the Indonesian Super League because of disputes over the clubs'€™ ownerships.

Imam said that the Independence Cup would run between Aug. 15 and Sept. 7 in six cities, including Surakarta in Central Java, Bantul in Yogyakarta, Serang and Cilegon in Banten, Madiun in East Java and Medan in North Sumatra.

As many as 24 clubs from the main division will contest the tournament initiated by soccer clubs, the referee organization and the transition team.

'€œAll clubs agree fair play must be upheld,'€ Imam said, adding that the referees had also expressed their commitment to their professionalism.

According to Imam, the tournament would be funded by sponsors.

Just like the Independence Cup, Jokowi also hoped that the President Cup could contribute to a revival of soccer frenzy in the country.

'€œThe President wants something [soccer games] to keep rolling in society,'€ Erick, who is the president of Italy-based Inter Milan, said. PT Mahaka Media is the administrator of the President Cup.

The President Cup is set to start on Aug. 30 in four places, namely Bandung in West Java, Malang in East Java, Makassar in South Sulawesi and Bali.

A total of 16 clubs, comprising 13 from the Indonesian Premier League and 3 from the main division, are set to contest the tournament.

'€œThere is no political motive behind it,'€ Erick said. '€œAnd the President also clearly stated that this was one of the efforts [to keep soccer games running in the country].'€

Erick ensured the competition would be organized independently and the funding would be provided through sponsorships.

Teten Masduki, a member of the presidential communication team, said the cups were among the efforts being made to bring soccer competition back to life.

'€œAfter the PSSI was frozen, the President wanted to keep soccer alive,'€ Teten said.

According to Teten, the President Cup was an independent tournament initiated by a number of clubs.