•    HOME   
•    NEWS   
•    BUSINESS   
•    INTERNATIONAL   
•    TECH   
•    SPORTS   
•    LIFE & TIMES   
•    OPINION   
•    MY JAKARTA   
•    BLOGS   

While the league championship is decided, the lower reaches of the Indonesian Super League may still have a twist in the tale.

The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) disciplinary committee ruled last week that Persik Kediri’s league match against Persebaya Surabaya had to be replayed. Pressed for time, league administrator PT Liga Indonesia has yet to reschedule the match.

PTLI chief executive Joko Driyono said the decision would have to wait until after the ISL All-Star Game, which takes place on Sunday at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.

“I discussed the matter with PTLI chairman Andi Darusalam, and we will resolve it after the All-Star Game. Besides, we have yet to receive an official letter from the appeals committee. We just received a copy of the committee’s meeting notes, so we’ll wait before making any decision,” Joko said on Monday.

Persik failed to host Persebaya on April 29 after Kediri Police refused to issue a match permit, citing fears of fan violence.

Efforts to move the match to Yogyakarta hit a roadblock as Yogyakarta Police also declined to issue a permit. The disciplinary committee awarded a 3-0 forfeit victory to Persebaya. However, Persik successfully appealed the decision.

The appeals committee ruled Persik match organizers had done all they could to secure a permit and blamed the local police for the match not taking place. That was despite Persija Jakarta losing via forfeit to Persiwa Wamena in almost identical circumstances earlier this season.

Persik and Persebaya both missed chances to improve their chances of avoiding relegation on Sunday. A 1-1 draw at Persisam Samarinda left Persik in 17th place with 36 points, while Persebaya is one place better on goal difference despite a 5-1 loss at Bontang FC.

Pelita Jaya currently occupies 15th place, which brings with it a relegation playoff against Persiram Raja Ampat, with 39 points. Persebaya could still overhaul Pelita Jaya if it beats Persik by two goals, or PTLI officials annul the PSSI committee’s decision.

In the Indonesian Cup, the PTLI scheduled two postponed Group J matches for June 3.

Sriwijaya FC will host PS Mojokerto Putra in Palembang, while Persija will face Persisam at Manahan Stadium in Solo. Both matches will kick off at 3:30 p.m. Persisam and Persija each have four points, with Sriwijaya in third with two and PSMP last with zero. Wimbo Satwiko