PSSI and Bank Mandiri sign Rp 7.3b agreement

JAKARTA (JP): After a long search, the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) finally received Rp 7.3 billion sponsorship from state Bank Mandiri for the remaining matches in the sixth Indonesian Soccer League (Ligina).

The deal was signed on Wednesday night by Bank Mandiri president Robby Djohan and PSSI chairman Agum Gumelar at PSSI office here. Following the deal, the sixth Ligina will be called Liga Bank Mandiri (Bank Mandiri Soccer league).

Some Rp 2.6 billion will be disbursed to 28 soccer clubs competing in the league. Another Rp 985 million will be used to advertise the league in television commercials, newspapers, banners and stickers.

A foreign management consultant IMG will receive Rp 657 million to organize and manage the commercials and PSSI will receive about Rp 1.6 billion.

Robby said that the money was allocated from the bank's business promotion budget. He also said that he did not waste the money for sports, which are often tainted by hooligans.

"If the league runs smoothly, it will make us proud and this can not be bought by money. But some people may say that I'm wasting my money. I am not. The money is not a burden to us. It's already been allocated," he said.

He said that he could withdraw the bank's title from the league should it be disrupted, but he would proceed with the donation.

"If there is disturbance during the league, and it tarnishes Bank Mandiri's image, I will withdraw the bank's name but not the money," he said. "I will also consider to sponsor the next league if this season's league can take place without trouble."

He said that the sponsorship was a business matter. "I will consider the sponsorship successful if Bank Mandiri's name can be displayed in each match. Imagine how many people will watch the live television broadcasts?"

The banks merged into Bank Mandiri were Bank Bumi Daya, Bank Dagang Negara, Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia and Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo).

According to PSSI Secretary-General Tri Goestoro, a club needs about Rp 3 billion to compete in one season.

"PSSI alone will have to spend up to Rp 2 billion to stage the semifinal and final and to train referees. The amount does not include promotion," he said on Wednesday.

He also said that PSSI had yet to decide on the television station that would receive the rights to broadcast the competitions.

Tri said that PSSI would use the money to pay for the association's spending during the league.

"We will reimburse any provincial referee or match inspector summoned by the disciplinary commission regarding any disruption that occurs during a match."

"We also have to pay for our officials, who help manage the competitions," he said.(ivy)