Players ambivalent about S-League U-turn

SINGAPORE — The S-League’s about-turn on new age-restriction rules for next year’s season has left players who are older than 30 wondering if they have missed out on signing up at the six local football clubs left in next year’s 10-team competition.

In a statement on Saturday evening, the S-League reversed its decision to allow the clubs to sign a maximum of five players aged 30 and above, with at least three required to be 25 or under in their 22-man squads.

If implemented, the changes would have affected more than 40 footballers aged above 30, with many already hit by the decision by Tanjong Pagar United to sit out next season and the merging of Woodlands Wellington with Hougang United.

Said the statement: “Following discussions, the S-League and the club chairmen have decided not to implement the new rules. The decision was taken after careful consideration of the appeals made by some affected players.” The six local clubs will now have until Feb 13 to sign any released players.

Tanjong Pagar skipper Hafiz Osman — who with Warriors FC vice-captain Zulfadli Zainal, is seeking to set up a players union — called the initial ruling ridiculous.

“I heard it about two to three months back, but I did not believe that it will happen,” said Hafiz, 30.

“Age is only a number. Look at (Frank) Lampard who is in his 30s but still playing. If you want a younger team, you need a proper youth development system and more Centre of Excellence teams.

“Most of the players are happy, but not smiling because the mistake was already made.”

Zulfadli welcomes the latest announcement, but worries for players who will miss out.

“I feel glad for the affected players but (the reversal was) done at the eleventh hour,” said Zulfadli. “The slots might have been fully maxed out by now and it is late for the affected players because most clubs would have filled their quota and maxed out their budget.

“The age restrictions are quite ridiculous and discriminatory. It is almost unheard of in football.”

Aleksandar Duric, who retired this month after 16 years in the S-League, welcomes the U-turn.

“It is good news. In the first place, this should never happen. From the first day, it was not a wise decision,” said Duric, 44. “It was a rash decision and, in future, they should consult senior players before making this decision because they are the ones who are being affected by it.”

Football fans also shared similar sentiments that it was a poor decision in the first place.

“More people should have been consulted before the decision was made. I think it’s a stupid one because the players may be above 30, but still have the stamina and ability,” said retiree Ismail Awang.

Banker Lawrence Wee added: “Just because you are above 30 doesn’t mean you cannot play. They have more experience and can guide the younger ones.”