Persib receives approval to host Asia Club quarters
Persib receives approval to host Asia Club quarters
BANDUNG (JP): Persib Bandung received formal approval to host
the Asia Club Championship quarterfinals from the Asian Football
Confederation, but then complained about the whopping deficit it
may suffer.
A Persib official, Dwi Koernianto, said after announcing the
approval yesterday that the West Javanese club would need at
least Rp 400 million (US$180,000) to upgrade the Siliwangi
stadium and to provide accommodation for three visiting teams.
As a host, Persib is entitled to $50,000 financial aid from
the body. The fund is expected to be disbursed tomorrow.
"The financial aid will not even suffice the accommodation
expenses which will reach $75,000," Koernianto said. Persib will
entertain Japan's champion Verdy Kawasaki, South Korean champion
Ilhwa Chunma and Cup holder Thai Farmers of Thailand in the Group
East quarterfinals slated for Nov. 26 to Nov. 30.
Persib won its bid to host the round robin matches but the
body required it to returf the playing field, build up a
secretariat and a pressroom and improve other facilities such as
the locker rooms. Koernianto refused to disclose how much the
upgrading would cost Persib.
"We desperately hope AFC will double its financial aid. We
will use the additional $50,000 to cover our visitors' boarding
and lodging expenses," Koernianto said.
Persib expects other revenues from ticket sales and grants
from established donors.
Persib will sell 60,000 tickets for four days of competitions.
The tickets will cost between Rp 5,000 and Rp 50,000 (between
$2.20 and $22).
The letter of approval signed by Asian Football Confederation
Secretary-General Peter Velappan says that Persib should continue
mending the pitch and then take care of it after the competition
ends.
The body also asked Persib about the timetable of matches that
has been arranged in its own interest. Persib is scheduled to
play in the second match every day.
"We have already discussed the schedule with AFC," said
Koernianto. Host Persib, however, will consider some changes
"only if any complaint is raised," Koernianto said.
The body has named Nik Ahmad Haji Yakub of Malaysia, Samuel
Sivalingam of Singapore and Fong Fatt Wah of Hong Kong as
referees of the matches. (pet/amd)