Wednesday, December 07, 2016
Disappointment For Persib, Persipura As Admin Error Threatens AFC Cup
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| Happier days for Persipura when PSSI had a better filing system |
Next week sees the draw for the AFC Cup and there could well be no representatives from Indonesia if a local story is to be believed.
Apparently the AFC sent out invites to member associations and Indonesia were planning on sending t he top two sides from the Indonesia Super League 2014 campaign. However it seems the official invite was left unanswered and we have now passed the deadline for applications.
We have been here before with Indonesia of course. Back in 2006 a similar 'administrative' error saw the office types forget to send in the PSSI nomination for the AFC Champions League.
The invite went out on 30 October but was overlooked as football's governing body was preparing for its congress that would elect a new leadership.
A PSSI official says the organisation has just received an informal letter from the AFC saying Indonesian sides would not be represented at the AFC Cup this year as the deadline for registration has passed.
The PSSI are hoping they get a chance to explain what happened to AFC in the vain hope they receive a sympathetic hearing.
A Persipura official seemed less than pleased, being quoted as saying the lessons from the past haven't been learned while a Persib official says 'the chance to join the AFC Cup is ... a way to improve Indonesian football ...in the eyes of the world. This is important for people and the nation.
Both Persib and Persipura have a right to feel bitter. Their 2015 AFC Cup campaigns came to an abrupt end when the PSSI was suspended by FIFA over government interference. Now they look to be blocked from competing because some desk jockey wasn't doing his job.
# posted by Me @ 12:17 PM 
