Milan-Persib match claims break even

JAKARTA (JP): Organizers of the soccer friendly which featured Italian giant AC Milan against national amateur champion Persib Bandung claimed to break even, although calculations are still in progress.

"We will complete our final calculations within the next week," Haidar Bagir of Republika daily, the match's organizer, said through a fax released on Wednesday.

"We estimate profits or losses at around Rp 100 million (US$46,700)," Haidar added.

Haidar said he would not be upset if the match ran in the red. "We have learned how to handle a big event after all," he said.

Last Saturday's match at Senayan stadium cost the organizers Rp 1 billion ($467,000), including a $265,000 appearance fee for Milan. The organizers received between Rp 600 million and Rp 700 million from ticket sales and an estimated additional Rp 250 million through sponsorships.

Haidar also said he expects another Rp 250 million, including money from TV rights, to add to the organizers' coffer.

He admitted that the committee uncovered "a few fake tickets" for the match. A public relations official said some 2,000 bogus tickets were seized.

Saturday's match drew 80,000 and saw Milan trample all over the Bandung side 8-0. (amd)