Football: Fifa warns Jakarta of suspension if national association is stripped of power

This photo taken on April 18, 2015 shows newly-elected Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) chief La Nyalla Mattalitti (fourth left) standing with new officials of the PSSI following his election in Surabaya, East Java province. FIFA has ordered th
This photo taken on April 18, 2015 shows newly-elected Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) chief La Nyalla Mattalitti (fourth left) standing with new officials of the PSSI following his election in Surabaya, East Java province. FIFA has ordered the Indonesian government on May 6, 2015 to revoke its decision to freeze all activities of the country's football association by the end of the month or face suspension from international football. -- PHOTO: AFP

JAKARTA (AFP) - Fifa has ordered the Indonesian government to revoke its decision to freeze all activities of the country's football association by the end of the month or face suspension from international football.

The ultimatum was the latest twist in a row that erupted in April when the association, the PSSI, halted the country's top-flight league due to a disagreement with the sports ministry over the participation of two clubs.

The ministry then froze all activities of the PSSI, and said it was setting up a transitional body as a step towards replacing the association.

Fifa has backed the PSSI and the world governing body's secretary general Jerome Valcke has now demanded that Jakarta revoke its move.

In a letter cited widely by local media, he said the government's actions had violated Fifa rules stating that all football associations have to manage their affairs independently, without influence from third parties.

If the authorities do not comply with Fifa's demand by May 29, "we will have no other option but to refer this matter to the appropriate Fifa body for an immediate suspension", said the letter.

The PSSI confirmed that it had received the letter and on Tuesday attempted to hand it to the sports minister but the latter has yet to accept it.

Weak management, poor security at games and cases of foreign players dying after going unpaid have also cast a shadow over football in the world's fourth-most populous country.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.