Wages won't be cut in SPL

Singapore Premier League (SPL) players have expressed relief and gratitude after learning that their salaries will not be cut for now, even though play has been suspended since March 24 owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

After extensive discussions with the respective local clubs' chairmen and relevant stakeholders, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) said yesterday it will disburse a supplementary subsidy to "aid the clubs during this difficult period".

The Straits Times understands that the subsidy offered to each club - excluding Brunei DPMM and Young Lions - is $90,000 and is meant to cover their overheads such as rental and manpower costs. The offer amounts to some $630,000 for the seven sides so there will not be any wage revisions for SPL club players and staff.

The FAS statement said "wage cuts at this juncture would be premature and such an action would only serve to be one that would be short-sighted and reactive".

Its president Lim Kia Tong added: "We have always maintained the view that the job security of our SPL players and club officials is of the utmost importance, which is why we have arrived at a solution which does not impact their financial earnings at this juncture."

Pay cuts have been implemented at many major European clubs and SPL footballers were worried that the same fate would befall them.

Sources told ST yesterday that more than half the clubs were considering the cost-cutting move, as jackpot operations - their primary source of revenue - had ceased after the Government implemented tighter measures to combat the spread of the Covid-19 disease.

Tampines Rovers chairman Desmond Ong expressed gratitude to the FAS and his fellow chairmen for pulling together during such a critical period.

He said: "Despite the somewhat unnecessary speculation in recent weeks, I believe we have arrived at a solution that will give our players and staff a huge amount of comfort during these difficult times."

Local footballers ST spoke to agreed. Tanjong Pagar defender Delwinder Singh said: "For all the gloom surrounding the league's suspension and not being able to train, this is great news.

"I feel it is a very good move and very professional of the authorities to help us through these tough times. This should spur us and I'm definitely more grateful to the FAS and our club chairman Raymond Tang (and I will) push harder and further when the season resumes."

The FAS will collaborate with local SPL clubs to capitalise on the lull period by helping them further develop their capabilities and alleviate their main concern about long-term sustainability.

The initiative includes online courses for players, coaches and administrative staff to equip them with the necessary skills to be future-ready once the sport resumes. Greater focus will also be placed on ensuring that the players improve their current level of fitness while working out at home.