AFC asks PSM for more renovations

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will examine the PSM Makassar club's preparations in February before deciding whether the capital of South Sulawesi is fit to host the quarterfinals of the eastern Asia zone of the Asian Club Championships from March 21 to March 25.

In a brief visit to Makassar over the weekend, the AFC's competition director David Thompson and representatives of AFC's sponsors Simon T. and Alex Sousa failed to reach a conclusion over Makassar's readiness to stage the event.

Ismail Tola, Secretary General of the South Sulawesi chapter of the Soccer Association of Indonesia, said that the observers had visited all of the facilities, as well as the accommodation for referees, match officials and participants.

"During their visit on Saturday, the AFC members requested us to improve the training ground. But there were no complaints over the hotel."

Simon T. said PSM should reconstruct the stadium according to international standards. "PSM must make the renovations. We have not conducted a detailed survey, so we will return in February."

Chairman of the Championships' organizing committee, Ilham Arief Siradjuddin said that PSM had set aside Rp 1 billion (US$105,300) for renovations and preparations as host.

"We are optimistic we can finish the renovations in one or two months," he told The Jakarta Post. He was hopeful that PSM could host the event as it had received much support.

As host, PSM will receive some US$75,000 in financial support for the accommodation and transportation of AFC officials, referees and participants from Japan (Jubilo Iwata club), China (Shandong club) and South Korea (Samsung Bluewing club). (27)