28 clubs set for soccer league

JAKARTA: Twenty-eight clubs from two zones will compete in the 2006 Indonesian League which kicks off on Jan. 14, the organizers announced on Thursday.

The league -- with main sponsor Djarum providing Rp 35 billion (US$3.5 million) -- features Persija Jakarta, Arema, PSIS, PSMS, PSDS, Semen Padang, Sriwijaya FC, Persikota, Persita, Persitara, Persib, Persijap Jepara, PSIM Yogyakarta and Persekabpas Pasuruan in the western zone in Group I.

Members of the eastern zone in Group II are defending champion Persipura Jayapura, PSM Makassar, Persik Kediri, Persiwa Wamena, Persmin Minahasa, Persiter Ternate, Persibom Bolmong, PKT Bontang, Persiba Balikpapan, Persigi Gianyar, Persema Kab Malang and Persela Lamongan, Antara news service reported.

The 14th member of Group II will be determined from Jan. 4- Jan. 9 playoffs among PSPS Pekanbaru, Deltras Sidoarjo, Petrokimia Putra Gresik and Pelita Jaya.

Persebaya Surabaya, the 2004 champion which made an angry withdrawal from the 2005 competition amid claims of biased refereeing, was relegated from the league. -- JP