‘Don’t forget affected players’

SINGAPORE — In a first, Warriors FC’s Hassan Sunny has become the first goalkeeper to win the prestigious S-League Player of the Year award, but that was unfortunately overshadowed by a tense atmosphere at the S-League Awards Night last night following the recent decision to downsize the league.

Last week, it was said that Tanjong Pagar United would sit out the 2015 season, while Woodlands Wellington and Hougang United would merge. New age restrictions for local footballers will see teams limited to a maximum of five players aged 30 and above and a minimum of three players aged 25 and under for teams with a 22-man squad. Those with a 20-man squad will have more leeway.

Many players from Tanjong Pagar and Woodlands Wellington were not present at the dinner last night, although it is unclear if it had anything to do with the revamp.

S-League chief executive Lim Chin, who was booed by sections of the audience last night, did not comment on the matter at the awards at ITE College East in Simei last night.

But Hassan, whose form helped the Warriors win the S-League title, told TODAY the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) and S-League must do something to help those adversely affected by the changes.

“Players and coaches who lose their jobs as a result cannot be left alone just like that,” said Hassan, who edged out fellow nominees Rodrigo Tosi of Brunei DPMM, Fazrul Nawaz (Home United), Kazuki Sakamoto (Albirex Niigata) and Goran Ljubojevic (Balestier Khalsa) for the award.

“Something must be done for them, as they have served the league well. The FAS can provide them with some subsidies to prepare for life after football, such as provide them some compensation to equip themselves with relevant skills to find jobs in the footballing industry and even outside of it,” he said.

In an earlier interview with TODAY, FAS president Zainudin Nordin said the present financial situation cannot sustain a 12-team S-League, and downsizing it to 10 clubs next season would make the league more competitive, exciting and help draw potential sponsors. The move, he added, was supported at the club chairmen’s meeting in August.

Nonetheless, the way the news broke left many dismayed.

“If they (FAS) had announced the changes earlier, not three months to the next season, it will give everyone more time to prepare for their future,” said Warriors vice-captain Zulfadli Zainal. “I don’t know what is the solution to the S-League’s financial woes and lack of crowd attendance. It needs an entire rebranding.”

Hougang United defender Faizal Amir, whose future is also unclear with his side’s imminent merger with Woodlands Wellington, hopes a players’ union for the S-League can be set up.

“There are many other sports associations smaller than us and their athletes have a voice,” he said. “I wish these decisions were discussed with a players’ union and other stakeholders before they are passed down. It is too abrupt.”

S-LEAGUE AWARDS 2014 HONOUR ROLL

Great Eastern Player of the Year: Hassan Sunny (Warriors FC)

RHB Coach of the Year: Marko Kraljevic (Balestier Khalsa)

Yeo’s Young Player of the Year: Nicolas Velez (Warriors FC)

Tiger Beer Goal of The Year: Fabian Kwok (Geylang International FC)

Diadora Assistant Referee of the Year: Muhammad Taqi Aljaafari

Polar Fan Club of the Year: Warriors FC

Singapore Pool Fair Play Award: Geylang International

RHB Top Scorer Award: Rodrigo Tosi (Brunei DPMM FC)

Yeo’s Picture of the Year: “Head over Heels” - Jeremy Long (The New Paper)

Mikasa Story of the Year: “Beating Cancer is his biggest win” - David Lee (The New Paper)