REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SURABAYA -- Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) General Chairman Erick Thohir insists promotion and relegation rules in Liga 1 have not changed. He simultaneously denied the ongoing issue that there would be a change in next season's relegation slot to just one team.
Liga 1 currently run on the three team relegation and promotion system. The system is temporarily halt in the beginning of this season due to the tragedy in Kanjuruhan Stadion in Malang.
Erick insists that regulation on competence is a no-brainer because it complies with congressional decisions. “PSSI firmly adheres to the prevailing stipulation that promotion and relegation are three teams. There's no bargaining on that!” said Erick confirmed in his press statement, Sunday (29/10/2023).
According to Erick, the spirit of the PSSI is aligned with FIFA's principles of fair play. Since the beginning of the league, Erick continued, the rules have been set regarding the amount of promotion and relegation. According to him, in accordance with the spirit of fair play, the provision must be adhered to by all parties. “There is no change in the middle of the road. The PSSI does not tolerate and clearly rejects the issue because it is not in keeping with the spirit of fair play,” Erick said.
With a consistent competition system, Erick is optimistic this season's Liga 1 competition will further drive the development of national football. “Regular and healthy competition will give birth to a healthy team. In addition, a consistently rotating competition system will also provide certainty from the business side. Therefore, we all agreed to keep the competition system that has been agreed in the congress,” he said.
Erick also appreciates the entire team and the supporters who support the creation of a consistent competition regarding regulation. “This consistency is important to maintain. It is not precisely to be changed that will not be good for the image and stability of the competition itself,” Erick said.