Bank Mandiri extends sponsorship of PSSI

JAKARTA (JP): After attaining success as the title sponsor for this year's soccer league, state-owned Bank Mandiri has given its nod to extend its sponsorship of the 2001 league of the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI).

PSSI official in charge of marketing and promotion Dimas Wahab announced the extension on Tuesday but declined to disclose the value of the contract until Bank Mandiri president E.C.W. Neloe and PSSI chairman Agum Gumelar sign it.

However, Dimas said the total would be higher than last season's deal. In March, PSSI received some Rp 7.3 billion (US$772,500) for the sixth league.

"Bank Mandiri heard from its monitoring team that by being the soccer league's sponsor had enhanced its image nationwide. Therefore, the bank agreed to extend its deal with us," he said.

Dimas said the league would retain its name as Liga Bank Mandiri (Bank Mandiri soccer league). Under the deal, PSSI has promised that the league's matches will be broadcast live on state-owned TVRI and privately run RCTI and ANTeve television channels.

The bank's logo will also be emblazoned on the players' uniforms and displayed on advertisement boards.

Dimas said PSSI would allow soccer clubs to find their own co- sponsors. He also urged clubs not to be too dependent on PSSI as a financial source.

"In my opinion, soccer clubs should not ask for money to finance their needs for next year's league. They should know that the whole competition is aired live on three TV stations so they must be able to use the opportunity to find sponsors."

In the previous deal, PSSI disbursed some Rp 2.6 billion to 28 soccer clubs competing in the league. Another Rp 985 million was used to advertise the league in TV commercials, newspapers, banners and stickers.

Organizers IMG received Rp 657 million to organize and manage the commercials and PSSI earned about Rp 1.6 billion. (ivy)