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)