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)