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Uncertainty over S-League’s changes for 2015

SINGAPORE — Response from the football fraternity to the S-League’s reported changes for the 2015 season has been mostly mixed, as the ailing football league downsizes from 12 teams to 10 next year and brings in age restrictions and new rules on foreign players.

Tanjong Pagar United, one of the S-League’s founding clubs, announced on Sunday that they will sit out the 2015 season because of money issues. TODAY FILE PHOTO

Tanjong Pagar United, one of the S-League’s founding clubs, announced on Sunday that they will sit out the 2015 season because of money issues. TODAY FILE PHOTO

SINGAPORE — Response from the football fraternity to the S-League’s reported changes for the 2015 season has been mostly mixed, as the ailing football league downsizes from 12 teams to 10 next year and brings in age restrictions and new rules on foreign players.

Tanjong Pagar United, one of the S-League’s founding clubs, announced on Sunday that they will sit out the 2015 season because of money issues. This is the second time the Queenstown-based Jaguars have resorted to withdrawing from the league, after having done so in 2004.

Two other sides — Hougang United and Woodlands Wellington, which finished seventh and 11th, respectively, this season — will merge for next year.

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 be allowed only four players over 30 years old and a minimum of two in the 25-and-under bracket.

As in the 2014 season, five foreign players will be allowed for each team, but incentives will be given to those that recruit one aged 21 and under.

The S-League did not respond to TODAY’s queries on the changes by press time last night.

While observers said a reduced roster of teams could ensure that the remaining ones will get more resources and better players, it remains to be seen if the changes will revive the ailing league.

Since its high-profile debut in 1996, attendance at S-League matches has continued to flag, with some clubs struggling financially due to a lack of sponsors and corporate support.

Former Tampines Rovers striker Aleksandar Duric — who retired last week after a 16-year career in the league — had earlier called for revamp in an interview with TODAY, and the 44-year-old is hopeful the changes will help bring fans back.

“The measures are a little drastic ... but we need some changes to the league to move it forward,” he said.

“Tanjong Pagar was my first club when I started playing here and it’s sad to see the tradition go, as Tanjong Pagar and Woodlands were both there on the first day of the league.

“But that’s modern football — if there are no resources, you cannot run a club. With fewer clubs, there could be better players coming in. We will see how the clubs deal with (the age restrictions). But this will give younger players a push as they now have a chance to play regularly.”

Loyal S-League fan Basil Yeo was not as optimistic, telling TODAY: “The S-League has been on life support for many years and now, the Football Association of Singapore is sort of pulling the life support.

“Some clubs have closed their Centres of Excellence, so where are the younger players going to come from? They are forcing the older players out, but there is no proper plan for young players.”

Tampines Rovers’ roster currently includes seven players aged above 30, but chairman Teo Hock Seng is not unduly worried. “My club has the oldest average age, but some older players will have to go and two younger ones from the Prime League will come in,” he said.

“S-League has a certain budget to exercise. (With the changes,) the teams will be more committed to the league. It’s our job to (bring the spectators back) and hopefully, the crowds will come back.”

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