Indonesian FA asks for special government funding

The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has asked the Indonesian Gvernment for a special grant of Rp35 billion (approximately US$3.7 million) to cover hosting costs for the Asia Cup 2007 and to prepare the national team to take part in the event, PSSI General Secretary General Nugraha Besoes told Antara newsagency.

"The fund is large as Indonesia will organise the matches for the competition, one for the quarter final, one for the semi final and the final," he told the House of Representatives` Commission X`s plenary session. Some Rp 20 billion of the fund will be used to finance the matches, he added. "The remaining Rp15 billion will be used to prepare the national senior team," said Nugraha who was accompanied by PSSI Financial Director Achsanul Qasasi .