Indonesia to Avoid FIFA Sanctions After Electing New Chief

The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) appears to have avoided FIFA-imposed sanctions after electing Djohar Arifin Husin as the new head of the organisation.

Husin, clinic a former secretary general of the Indonesian Sports Committee, received 61 votes after being backed by supporters of local oil tycoon Arifin Panigoro and army general George Toisutta.

Husin’s nearest opponent, Agusman Effendi, claimed 38 votes and was backed by supporters of former PSSI chairman Nurdin Halid, who was jailed in 2007 for misusing funds. The PSSI had been told by FIFA that it must hold elections or face suspension after previous elections had collapsed.

Husin said: “Now we must focus on moving forward and how to improve in the future, hopefully with support from everyone.”

FIFA observer Carvaro, who attended the elections in Solo in central Java, told reporters: “There are no sanctions so far for Indonesia. I think the first condition of the congress is in place so we can be rather optimistic.”