PSSI awaits sponsor for league competitions

PSSI awaits sponsor for league competitions

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI) is
still waiting for a reply from its promoter to find a main
sponsor for the Indonesian league competitions.

"We haven't received any money from our promoter (PT Cipta
Citra), so how can we give subsidies to clubs in the Indonesian
league?" Nugraha Besoes, the association's secretary, quipped
Thursday.

In the agreement with PSSI, PT Cipta Citra, as the promoter,
has the right to name their main sponsor for the Indonesian
league competitions.

For the Indonesian league, Nugraha said, the promoter is
obliged to submit funds of Rp 5.3 billion (US$662,500) to the
association, of which Rp 100 million would be given to each club.

"The distribution of the subsidies to the clubs is conducted
in three stages as what was carried out in previous league
competitions. But in the fourth league competitions, the sponsor
not only could not find a main sponsor, but also did not submit
the Rp 5.3 billion in funds to PSSI," Nugraha said as quoted by
Antara Thursday.

Nugraha further said the clubs were desperately in need for
the funds which would be partly used to cover the costs during
competitions.

"Considering the present economic situation, it is rather
difficult for the promoter to find a main sponsor. The
competitions need funds, so if this matter continues without any
clarification, many of the competitions will be delayed," Nugraha
said.

But Nugraha said PSSI would hold a meeting with Jeannette
Sujunadi, director of PT Cipta Citra, on Jan. 13. "If the company
fails to comply with its obligation, we will have to come up with
an alternative plan."

Several soccer observers said PSSI should breach its contract
with PT Cipta Citra and let the clubs find their own sponsors.
(lnt)