Indonesia could withdraw SEA Games football team

SINGAPORE — The SEA Games’ football tournament could be thrown into disarray even before the first Group B match between Brunei and Vietnam kicks off at Bishan Stadium tomorrow.

According to a report on Vietnamese news website Bao Soi yesterday, defending silver medallists Indonesia are expected to withdraw from the Games because of the conflict between the government and the country’s football association (PSSI). FIFA had warned it would suspend Indonesia from international competitions if the government does not allow the PSSI to operate independently by tomorrow.

If the Indonesians withdraw, the Games tournament will see just four teams in Group A — Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia and the Philippines — while Group B will have six: Defending champions Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Laos and Timor Leste.

Some teams have called for a redraw for the group stages. Mr Duong Vu Lam, Vietnam Football Federation vice-president said: “If you do not draw again, Group B teams play five games while the other group plays only three games.” But it is understood a technical committee needs to be convened by the Singapore SEA Games organising committee to decide if there is a need for a redraw. LOW LIN FHOONG