FIFA Official Denies Claims Regarding Erick Thohir‘s Dual Role
Jakarta, Indonesia – FIFA official Ornella Bellia has issued a clarification dismissing circulating reports that suggested FIFA had acknowledged or approved Erick Thohir holding dual positions as Indonesia’s Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) and Chairman of the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI). The denial comes after fabricated news attributed to Bellia falsely linked congratulatory remarks from FIFA President Gianni Infantino to an endorsement of Thohir’s concurrent roles.
The controversy arose from misinterpretations of Infantino’s congratulations following Thohir’s election as PSSI Chairman. The erroneous reports implied FIFA had implicitly sanctioned a situation that raises governance concerns within the sport. Bellia’s statement, released Tuesday, September 23rd, via Instagram Story, directly refutes these claims, emphasizing she made no statements regarding Thohir’s dual position, either publicly or privately. This clarification is crucial as questions surrounding potential conflicts of interest in football governance continue to be a focus for FIFA and its member associations.
“I am aware of photos circulating that wrongly associate my statement with the position of the Minister of Youth and sports and also the General Chairperson of PSSI, Mr. Erick Thohir,” Bellia stated in her Instagram post. ”I want to emphasize firmly that I have never made the statement, both personally and professionally. The circulating photos are entirely wrong and hoaks.”
The false reports also drew a strong response from PSSI Executive Committee member Arya Sinulingga, who publicly condemned the hoax news on his Instagram account, warning those responsible for spreading the misinformation.
The incident underscores the challenges of combating disinformation in the digital age, particularly concerning sensitive topics like football governance and potential conflicts of interest. FIFA maintains strict regulations regarding the independence of football associations, and any perceived endorsement of a dual role could invite scrutiny and potential sanctions.