PSSI and Bank Mandiri sign Rp 7.3b agreement

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)