For the 200/2010 season Djarum, a tobacco company, sponsored the league to the tune of Rp. 37.5 miliar (USD4.1 million). “Sure there were some technical hitches but as far as our sponsorship of the league was concerned, it did not result in any losses so from that standpoint, we are satisfied with the returns from last season,” said Fatih Chabanto from PT Djarum Indonesia. “We are hopeful that things will be a lot better in the new season.” However, Fatih pointed out that there were some 27 matches that were played without spectators which he felt affected the prestige of the sponsorship. “We hope that the Liga Indonesia (the body in charge of ISL) will look into this matter so as not to result in losses for us. If more matches are being played at stadiums without spectators, then what can we possibly sell? We hope that the ISL will seriously look into this matter and make sure that things change for the new season and not result in losses for us,” he added. |