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THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017 SPORTS Indonesia issues work permits for footballers after Essien debacle JAKARTA: Indonesia’s football association played at the weekend, with Essien immediately government, to guarantee the process is pledged yesterday that work permits for foreign- making his mark by scoring with a header in a 2- smooth. “The clubs have to ensure proper plan- ers would be issued faster after high-profile 2 draw against PS TNI. However the debacle ning from an early stage,” added association moves by former English Premier League stars proved embarrassing for Indonesian football deputy chairman Joko Driyono. Michael Essien and Carlton Cole were almost officials after years of problems, from the cre- Work permits for foreigners in Indonesia typi- scuppered by red tape. The two were signed ation of a rebel association to foreign players cally take around a month to process. Seventy- with great fanfare last month by Persib dying after going unpaid and being unable to four foreigners currently work in Indonesia’s Bandung, one of the country’s best clubs, in a afford medical care. football industry as players or coachers, accord- boost for Indonesian football as it seeks to The football association, known as the PSSI, ing to Driyono. Cole, who is English, used to play bounce back from a FIFA suspension and launch said they had worked with the government to for Chelsea and West Ham. Indonesia’s new top- a new league. speed up the permit-issuing process in the latest flight Liga 1 replaces an old top-level league, But they were banned from playing last week case, and pledged to ensure it was fast in future.
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