AusLeisure

World football governing body FIFA has banned Indonesia Football Federation (PSSI) Chairman Nurdin Halid from standing for re-election in an upcoming election, according to local media reports.

Nurdin, who was imprisoned in 2007 for misusing funds, but continued to run the PSSI from his cell, is seeking a third term at the helm.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter made the ruling to ban Nurdin from running in the 26th March election during a meeting in Zurich on Tuesday, according to the Jakarta Globe, which quoted Indonesian ambassador to Switzerland, Joko Susilo.

Susilo was quoted as stating "Sepp Blatter said FIFA upholds the statutes that state that a convict cannot lead a football organisation.

"If Nurdin is re-elected, FIFA won't legitimise the election result. They want Indonesian football to be much better."

However, Nurdin told Metro TV that he does not believe he has been barred from participating in the elections, stating "the information from the ambassador must be untrue because the decision of FIFA's executive committee meeting (on 3rd March) has been received by the PSSI and it is impossible for FIFA to issue any decisions outside the meeting."

5th February 2009 - ASIA MASSES BIDS FOR FIFA WORLD CUP

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.