May 5, 2004

It looked like request by the Swans to increase the seating capacity of Jurong East Stadium could be turned down with both the Japanese club & landlord SSC unwilling to foot the cost of upgrading.

Before the problem of whom will foot the bill pop up, SSC had already agreed to increase Jurong East Stadium with 670 extra seats.

With Albirex Niigata selling tickets at $6, the club would have earned an extra $4020 with every home match

However SSC had indicated to Albirex Niigata that they were only willing to absorb the capital cost of the physical fixtures as seating would be moved from the Yishun Stadium. The Swans must bear other cost incurred like manpower, transportation & installation of the fixtures. All these costs had been estimate to be around $67000.

It would have wiped out any benefits the Swans would have enjoyed & this prevent the talks from progressing.

Albirex Niigata club manager Bogdan Brasoveanu say the club is furious with the decision by SSC not to foot the bill as SSC own the stadium & any cost related to upgrading should be bear by the landlord SSC. Also he pointed out there is no guarantee the club would play in the same stadium in the S-league next season so it is crazy for Albirex Niigata to foot it.

Despite not getting their desired expansion Brasoveanu say the club would still strive to provide their fans with the best in every match