Chennai, Jan 4 (IANS) The $140,000 “consultancy fee” that he receives from the IMG is as per the annual contract and not just for Chennai Open alone, clarified Vijay Amritraj.
Responding to reports about his “consultancy fee” being more than the winner’s prize money mentioned in the budget for the 2009 Chennai Open, Amritraj said: “I do 12 appearances which involve meeting the sponsors, holding auctions and dinners besides working towards IMG’s events throughout the world as their brand ambassador.”

“It is not my lookout to get to know as to how IMG go about budgeting this amount and from which event. They were only honouring the contractual obligation between them and me.”

“IMG involves me in Wimbledon, US Open and Dubai event besides many of their other events. IMG is a worldwide company, a successful one globally, and they do their job to their best of abilities,” Amritraj said.

“It is their prerogative to choose any of the 12 events to budget their fees. The amount paid to me was not for Chennai Open alone. It was for all the 12 events that they involve me.”

During the week, Amritraj said he will be making five appearances, including one for Aircel, the title sponsors of Chennai Open.

“I am going to address the staff of Aircel within two days and then I appear for another four events. I have not been taught to wage a war against anyone nor I have any enemy in the world. I am not hurt by the media reports but I am only trying to give my explanation of my abilities,” he said.