A few Islandwide League clubs due to take part in this year’s competition are up in arms over issues which have cropped up over the past few weeks.
A circular sent to all participating clubs on 14 September has also been obtained by TMSG through our sources.
One key concern is what appears to be the apparent disrespect for the clubs involved in the competition with a senior official cloiming that clubs were not really engaged on the changes.
Fees were also raised, with only a rebate of $150 from a payment of $1000, an increase of $350.
TMSG also understands that at least one of the affiliates has written in to the FAS about the unhappy turn of events.
“This is not how affiliates should be treated, with no respect at all.
“How many clubs did the FAS engage before it made all these decisions?” asked the official.
One point which has been raised was how IWL teams will now have to play in school fields instead of the stadiums.
Some of these fields do not even have changing rooms for the players.
“How can these fields be used for a serious league competition?” the official asked.
Another point was also raised about Singapore Football League side Jungfrau also being able to filed a team in the IWL.
This allegedly goes against the integrity of the competition and leads to a potential conflict of interest.
“What happens if the club wins the IWL? Is it to be promoted to the next higher division?
“If the answer is no, then why are they being allowed to participate?” asked the official.
There was also an issue flagged about four non-affiliated clubs being allowed to take part.
The circular sent out by the FAS shows that East Coast United FC, Tanah Merah United FC, Tessensohn Khalsa Rovers and Singapore Recreation Club being allowed to take part in the competition even though they are not affiliates.
“So how does FAS enforce a ban or suspension of the club if they are found responsible for indiscipline?”
TMSG sent FAS a series of queries.
There was no response.
We attach the full circular for the benefit of our readers.
