The important point is, according to Yudhoyono, PSSI should introspect why the serious defeat happened.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono asked the All-Indonesia Soccer Association (PSSI) to carry out an introspection following the 0-10 (0-4) loss against Bahrain team on February 29, in Group E of the Pre-World Cup 2014.

Speaking at a press conference in the presidential office here on Monday, Yudhoyono said that PSSI can forward objections to FIFA if its loss was considered strange.

The important point is, according to Yudhoyono, PSSI should introspect why the serious defeat happened.

"Use FIFA channel if the referee violated the rule of game," the president who admitted did not watch the last match in Group E of the Pre-World Cup said.

In a tossup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the Indonesian soccer team was placed in Group E of the Pre-World Cup 2014 round along with Iran, Qatar and Bahrain.

According to Yudhoyono, looking at the achievement reached by

the under 21 years of age (U-21) of the Indonesian soccer who recently gained a success in the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah cup in Brunei Darussalam, the country`s soccer quality actually did not decline.

In facing Bahrain in the Group E of the Pre-World Cup 2014, Indonesian was represented by the national U-23 team (under 23 years old players).

The president also expressed concern over a long lasting dispute in the PSSI management, adding that the government cannot interfere the PSSI`s dispute in accordance with FIFA`s statue.

Thus, the president hoped that PSSI will listen to the people`s voice and seek best solution to its problem.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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