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Erick Thohir gave a press statement at the West VIP Tribune Hall of the Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta. Photo: MPI/Cikal Bintang
Persija and Persib are two clubs that have a great chance to become runners-up in the 2022-2023 League 1. The second position will be determined in the final match on Saturday (15/4/2023) evening WIB. Persija will face PSS Sleman, while Persib will host Persikabo 1973. Persija will benefit more because they are one point ahead of Persib in the standings.
The two clubs who are in the runner-up position will later be entitled to get AFC Cup Playoff tickets. Erick gave a stern warning before this match started.
The general chairman of PSSI stated that clubs that committed fraud would be relegated, while for perpetrators of fraud such as players and referees, Erick did not hesitate to give a life sentence.
“If there is cheating, we will relegate the club. Referees and players involved will be punished for life. We want to create clean and accomplished football,” he told the media, including MNC Portal Indonesia at the West VIP Tribune Hall of the Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta.
Even so, Erick said that currently there is no special monitoring team for “special” matches like this. However, he will use technology and observers to monitor the match.
“Nowadays, in the modern era, everything can be recorded and repeated. We will be monitoring this game through technology and observers. We are also reviewing matches in league 3, league 2 and league 1 this season to find possible cheating,” said Erick.
“We will detect if there is fraud. We hope that in the future there will be no more cheating in football,” he said.
(sto)