FIFA tells Indonesia to back off its football association

The Sports Ministry last month suspended the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) for ignoring orders to exclude two clubs from the Indonesian Super League, and the government appointed its own transitional committee to run the national programme. The order to exclude the two clubs came after they failed a government audit into several aspects of their management, and were embroiled in ownership disputes. 

In a letter dated Monday, FIFA gave the government until May 29 to reinstate the PSSI, saying the rules of international football prohibit government interference in a national association's affairs. It promised "swift and decisive action" if the deadline was not met, including recommending Indonesia for suspension. 

PSSI chairman La Nyalla Mattalitti said the association was "ready to talk to the ministry but I have tried to meet the minister three times without success." 

A suspension by FIFA could bar Indonesia from international competitions at national and club levels. The ministry said its transition team would ensure continued club competitions and national team preparations, but the PSSI last week declared all 2015 league competitions cancelled. 

Clubs complained that sponsors were withdrawing support, and warned they might not be able to pay their players. Mattalitti filed a petition challenging the ministry's suspension, saying only FIFA can suspend a national association. 

Indonesian football was until recently bogged down by infighting over control of the sport in the football-mad country. The national team was unable to field many of the country's strongest players, who were signed to a rival league not recognised by PSSI. The dispute was resolved in 2013.