(photo by AFP)
Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President Mariano Araneta, Jr., representing the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), hands over AFC’s token to Indonesian President Joko Widodo during the recent Joint FIFA/AFC Mission official meeting with President Widodo to find ways to solve the continuing suspension by FIFA of Indonesia from international football.
With Araneta are FIFA’s representatives Kohzo Tashima, Executive Vice President of Japan Football Association and H.R.H Prince Abdullah Ibni Sultan Ahmed Shah, President of the Football Association of Malaysia, both of whom are FIFA Executive Committee members.
In an official statement, the delegation said “It was apparent that FIFA, AFC, PSSI and the Government are of the common view that Indonesia is a high potential football country and that reforms are needed to maximize their potential. The President of the Republic of Indonesia understood that any reform must occur under the auspices of the FIFA Statutes, but the Government is welcomed as a stakeholder in the reform. The President of the Republic of Indonesia expressed his sincere concern about the affairs of Indonesian football and reiterated his commitment to the development of the game. The delegation would like to express their sincere gratitude to all parties, including the President of the Republic for the productive meeting.”
The joint FIFA/AFC Mission was in Indonesia from 2-4 November 2015 to meet with football leaders, key stakeholders and government officials in an effort to solve the crisis in Indonesia football. FIFA suspended Indonesia for continuing government interference.