S.League officials have announced that they have changed their minds about implementing controversial new rulings on the ages of players for the 2015 season.
The Singapore football fraternity was stunned when the S.League announced that club squads could have only five players over the age of 30.
But following discussions with various club chairmen -- and factoring in the pleas of some the affected players -- the S.League has decided not to follow through on the unpopular proposed measures. They have also done a U-turn on their initial plan to regulate a minimum number of U-25 squad members.
The Warriors FC duo of Ismail Yunos and Jeremy Chiang were elated to hear about the decision. While they are not directly affected by the age ruling -- Ismail is 28 and Chiang is 29 -- both players had been released by their club. They are now actively looking for a contract to continue their lifelong dream of playing professional football.
Ismail told ESPN FC: "For me it's definitely great news for everyone. The ruling caused a lot of unrest amongst the players, fans and public. It's a little too late now perhaps as the damage has been done and a lot of players are jobless.
"Unless we really had too much good young talent, i don't see why the league needs to implement such things. They should have consulted the professionals, get clubs and players responses first."
As for Chiang, he may no longer need to retire from football. That was his initial plan after being released by Warriors FC. As he will be turning 30 next year, the age ruling would have affected his chances of securing a good contract.
He said: "It's great that the management have allowed the voices of the fans and players to be heard. As for myself, I am still hopeful that one of the S.League clubs will offer me a contract so I can continue to live my dream of playing football as a career."
The list of the players released by clubs was issued on Nov.17. The clubs have until Feb.13 to submit their first registrations for the new season. The window closes on Mar. 27.
Following the reduction to 10 clubs next season, the S.League has also started to help players looking to move to new careers by linking them up with potential employers. Next season, to further assist those wanting to make the transition to a new career, a study subsidy scheme will be proposed for players who want to further their studies at approved institutions.