Pause competitions for the benefit of the national team and clubs

Jakarta, Beritasatu.com – PSSI stated that the policy to postpone the competition during the U-23 Asian Cup was aimed at maintaining the focus of the national team and the continuity of League 1 clubs.

It is hoped that this decision will increase the concentration of the U-23 National Team (U-23 National Team) in facing the U-23 Asian Cup, while preventing clubs from losing their core strength at an important stage of the competition.

Erick Thohir, General Chair of PSSI, emphasized the importance of taking the best steps that accommodate the interests of the national team and clubs in a balanced manner. He hopes that the national team's achievements at international level can be in line with the continuity of club competitions.

“In its capacity as the highest authority for Indonesian football, PSSI has the responsibility to prepare the national team and also protect the interests of clubs. Therefore, the policy of temporarily postponing competitions during the U-23 Asian Cup is the best step that must be taken,” said Erick in his written statement .

Erick also recognized the challenges faced by clubs during this period and stressed the need to provide dispensation and fair treatment to them.

“Currently, PSSI has given dispensation to clubs whose U-23 players are called up for the national team. This aims to ensure that the player call-up does not harm the club,” he added.

Erick stated that postponing the competition was the best solution to ensure fair treatment for all parties.

He hopes that with the postponement of the competition, coach Shin Tae-Yong can call squad the best, so that the positive momentum currently being felt by the national team can be maintained.

“This is an opportunity for us to make history by providing the best for the national team,” he added.

The decision to postpone the 31st week of the 2023/2024 League 1 competition was taken by PSSI and the League operator, PT Liga Indonesia Baru (LIB), taking into account the interests of the U-23 National Team which will compete in the U-23 Asian Cup from April 15 to May 3 , or until the competition is over.

This decision was announced through PSSI's official letter number 1367/UDN/815/III-2024 dated March 30.

Meanwhile, the 2023/2024 Liga 1 regular season has entered its 30th week with four matches remaining. The top four teams in the regular phase will advance to the Championship Series to compete for the title. Currently, Borneo FC is the only team that has confirmed itself to qualify for the Championship Series as the top of the standings.