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Brunei DPMM to get additional foreign boost in new S.League season

SINGAPORE — Starting this season, Brunei DPMM FC will be allowed to register an additional foreign player to play in the S.League.

Brunei DPMM FC won the S.League title in 2015. They are planning to sign an additional Under-21 foreign player this 2017 season. Photo: S.League

Brunei DPMM FC won the S.League title in 2015. They are planning to sign an additional Under-21 foreign player this 2017 season. Photo: S.League

SINGAPORE — Starting this season, Brunei DPMM FC will be allowed to register an additional foreign player to play in the S.League.

Under this new rule, the Bruneian side will be able to sign one Under-21 foreign import for the 2017 campaign. TODAY understands this was first suggested by the S.League at the start of this month with the aim of allowing DPMM a “level playing field” in the league.

The matter was discussed at a meeting between various club chairmen and key officials at Jalan Besar Stadium last Friday (Jan 10).

“There were some (clubs who were) for it, some against it,” Tampines Rovers vice-chairman Christopher Wong had told TODAY.

“It goes back to what our objectives of having the Prime League are; (at the same time) we also want to be equitable with regard to DPMM’s participation here.”

It appears now that the proposal will go ahead, according to S.League’s response to TODAY’s queries on Wednesday evening.

“Based on the principle of ensuring fair competition in the S.League, we will — after getting feedback from the clubs — allow DPMM FC to have the option of having an Under-21 foreign player to play according to the same rules that apply to all other S.League clubs who also have an option of having an Under-21 foreign player,” an S.League spokesman said.

The local clubs were each allowed to sign three foreigners without any age restriction last year, with an additional U21 foreigner for their Prime League sides. This player would be eligible to take the place of one of the three S.League-registered imports in S.League matches.

Current rules state that any match-day squad of 18 can only contain three foreigners and DPMM will be subject to the same conditions.

Some of this year’s confirmed Prime League players include Antoine Viterale (Hougang United) and Diego Silvas (Tampines).

Excluding developmental side Young Lions, all six local clubs took up the option to sign a foreigner for their Prime League teams last year.

Foreign clubs DPMM and Albirex Niigata (S) do not field teams in the U21 Prime League competition. DPMM filled up their three-player foreign roster, while Albirex only field Japanese players.

An S.League club chairman, who declined to be named, lambasted the “ridiculous” proposition.

“The intention of the Under-21 player rule is to encourage local clubs to look for good and talented young players who have the potential to become naturalised citizens in future and play for Singapore,” he said.

“So how is this rule being unfair to DPMM? Will their fourth player become a potential prospect for Singapore? No, right?

“The S.League should also remember that DPMM is an invited team. As such, it should be playing according to the rules we set for it. Why do we have to go about changing the rules to ensure equality for DPMM?

“And what equality are we talking about if DPMM doesn’t even have a Prime League team in the first place? Is DPMM prepared to set up a Prime League team?”

In defence, DPMM head coach Steve Kean told TODAY that it is only “fair” that his side be allowed the option to sign an additional U21 foreigner. He is still looking for a third senior foreigner, having retained striker Rafael Ramazotti and signed Billy Mehmet from Tampines Rovers.

“There were many times last year when some of the imports of the teams in Singapore were not available and U21 imports played (in place),” he pointed out. “We don’t have that facility ... We may not necessarily take one (even if it is approved); we will only do so if he’s way better than what we have.”

The Scot, who took charge in 2014 and led them to their first-ever S.League crown a year later, added that DPMM have made youth development plans. A U19 team was established last year and will play in a local U20 district league this season, while a U18 side has also been set up for this year. The latter will play mainly friendly matches.

Citing how Ramazotti had to play through injury two seasons ago, Kean added: “If we do get permission to take one (U21 foreigner) and he’s not playing in the S.League, he will be playing locally (in the U20 league) ... I will rotate him in if the (first-team) imports have a knock.”

Kean, whose team play all home games at their Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, also said it is not feasible cost-wise to field a Prime League side.

“We pay for all the (S.League) teams to fly over to Brunei,” he asserted. “If we have to fly another team over to Singapore (to play in the Prime League), the costs will be astronomical. I think we’ve given a lot and we are not asking for a lot.”

DPMM are Brunei’s sole professional football club and first joined the S.League in 2009. However, they were expelled the same year after the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam was suspended by world governing body Fifa for government interference.

They returned to the S.League in 2012 after their Fifa ban was lifted and have played every year since. Also three-time League Cup winners, they finished third in the league last year.

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