Newly Elected PSSI Chairman Determined to Eradicate Football Match-Fixing in Indonesia

JAKARTADAILY.ID — The newly elected Chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir vows to eradicate football mafia practices in the country. He affirmed the need for strong legal enforcement for any football match-fixing.

Erick engaged the Indonesian Police Force to unveil, investigate and bring those involved in football match-fixing mafias to justice. 

"We are committed to a zero-tolerance policy and giving red cards for football mafias. Indonesian football will unlikely soar so long as these mafias are still infiltrating our matches," said Erick in a press conference held at the Media Center of GBK Stadium, Sunday, February 19, 2023.

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The press conference was held following a meeting with Chief of Indonesian National Police Listyo Sigit Prabowo in an effort to take firm action against the football mafia practices.

Erick emphasized, each and everyone found to be involved, from the masterminds to the aides, will face severe actions. From criminal prosecutions by law enforcers to a permanent ban from any involvement in football issued by PSSI.

“We need to uproot this mafia, with courage and conviction. Tiered punishments will be imposed. When necessary, the offenders will be blacklisted from football for good. I stand firm to eliminate the score-fixing mafia once and for all!" said Erick.

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To ensnare the perpetrators of score fixing, Erick has prepared reactive and proactive measures. By joining hands with the National Police, PSSI will establish a system to prevent score fixing. “I am determined to work alongside National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit to eradicate the dilapidated system to its core,” he said

According to Erick, fair play, and sportsmanship are not only applicable to those playing on the field, but to each and everyone in the Indonesian football ecosystem. The rules of the game, said Erick, need to be consistently upheld.

“There is no place for the mafia. We will no longer be on the losing side. I am ready to fight this battle against the football mafia," said Erick.

Also Read: Erick Thohir Appointed as the Chairperson of the Indonesian Football Association

After being elected as the Chairman of PSSI, Erick Thohir has moved quickly in making strategic and critical decisions in national football management.

At the PSSI exco's first meeting on Saturday, February 18, 2023, Erick announced the formation of two ad hoc committees that would specifically manage supporters and infrastructure development. (***)