S-League u-turns ruling on age restrictions

SINGAPORE — The S-League has decided not to impose any restrictions to the number of players a club can have for various age categories, reversing a rule issued earlier this month.

In a statement, the S-League said that the new decision was taken after careful consideration of the appeals made by some affected players.

“The S-League’s goal is to always improve the standard of football to make it more exciting and competitive. The clubs must also be able to compete at the regional level. To achieve these goals, there will be a continued and greater emphasis on performance, a high level of fitness and the ability to play at a high intensity for all players in the S-League,” they said.

In a controversial decision made earlier this month, the S-League cut the number of clubs from 12 to 10 and ruled that clubs with a 22-man squad would be limited to a maximum of five players aged 30 and above, and a minimum of three players aged 25 and under. Those with a 20-man squad would only have been allowed four players over 30 years old and a minimum of two in the 25-and-under bracket.

Players over 30 in particular voiced concern that they would lose their livelihood as a result.

Although the S-League has since removed the age restrictions, it said that it will also start helping players looking to move on to new careers by linking them up with potential employers.

“Next season, to further assist players make career transitions in future, a study subsidy scheme will also be proposed for players who want to further their studies at approved institutions,” the S-League said.