Shuttlers to get contract money before Idul Fitri

JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia's chairman, Soerjadi, promised players that the organization will endeavor to pay all the outstanding contract money before Idul Fitri.

"I'm asking for some time to give the money to you but I hope it can be done soon. But it doesn't mean that you're going to get the money tomorrow. Insya Allah (God willing) we'll sort it out before Idul Fitri," he said at the national badminton center in Cipayung, East Jakarta.

The association's executive director, Sumaryono, said that the payment might be done at the same time as the new contract payment.

"If I meet the person I want to see today or tomorrow, I'll pay it next week," Soerjadi said without mentioning who it was.

Fifty national shuttlers boycotted the New Year's party at Soerjadi's house as a protest at the late payment of the contract money from Yonex, a Japanese sports equipment company.

They urged the officials to pay the August to October contract, which should have been received in November.

"After we checked our records we still have to pay you US$197,000," Soerjadi told the players.

The association takes 25 percent of the contract and gives the rest to the players.

Sixty percent of the 25 percent is split between the association's branches nationwide. The remaining 40 percent is usually returned to the players at the end of the year as a bonus.

Speaking in front of the players, Soerjadi said that based on the records of the association's treasurer, Purnomo Sidhi, the players had received their money every three months for the past three years.

"It is stated in the account that the treasurer has paid the last 12 installments but where did the money go?," he asked.

"The problem will hopefully be cleared up by April. As for the next contract, we'll manage it in special accounts. I don't want this to happen again. Pak Sumaryono will appoint the person to be in charge of the reports," he said.

Responsible

Soerjadi, whose term as chairman ends in August, stressed that he would be responsible for the association's mistake and did not want to leave any lingering problems to his successor.

The chairman thanked the players for exposing the problem.

"There are some traditions which need to be improved. It's fair enough what you told the press. I thank you all since what you said came from your hearts," he said.

Soerjadi said that the new two-year contract with Yonex, starting on Nov. 1, 1996, is worth $1 million a year.

Yonex suggested a bonus-and-penalty system but the association refused to accept it. Yonex later agreed to give bonuses to players, if they won, but dismissed the penalty aspect.

Players will receive individual bonuses, which will be given if they win in any of 15 of the 20 Grand Prix tournaments.

Citing an example, Soerjadi said that Yonex will give a $2,250 bonus to men's singles winners who win the Chinese Taipei Open, $3,000 for the Korean Open winner and $4,000 for the Japan Open winner.

Players will also receive special bonuses in certain situations: men's singles players must win nine of the 15 tournaments to qualify, men's doubles must win eight, women's singles win five, and women's and mixed doubles must win three each.

At the end of the contract year, the singles players will receive another bonus.

Another example is that the women's singles will receive $62,250 in the first year, and later on receive $75,000. The men's singles will receive $75,000 and $90,000 in the second half of the contract.

Soerjadi said that Yonex proposed to punish players if they break the rule. After one warning, the top-rated players will have to pay a $10,000 fine. Unrated shuttlers will have to pay $5,000.

Details of the contract are to be discussed further with Yonex tomorrow.

Soerjadi urged the players to fight harder in the Japan and Korean Open tournaments and to be more professional.

The association is to send Alan Budikusuma, Ardy B. Wiranata, Indra Wijaya, Budi Santoso, Salim, Nunung Subandoro, Ricky Subagja, Rexy Mainaky, Denny Kantono, Antonius, Sigit Budiarto, Chandra Wijaya, Rudy Wijaya, Tony Gunawan, Trikus Heryanto and Flandy Limpele, to for both tournaments on the men's side.

Mia Audina, Meiluawati, Lidya Djaelawidjaja, Ellen Anggelina, Eliza, Zelin Resiana, Susi Susanti, Finarsih, Minarti Timur and Risyeu Rosalina also leave this evening to play in the women's events.

Some national shuttlers are currently in Chinese Taipei taking part in the on-going Open there. (yan)