Mystery over Etoile's position French club's participation in 2012 S-League up in the air after they miss FAS chief's deadline

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SINGAPORE - Ever since the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) confirmed Johann Gouttefangeas as the deputy chief executive officer of the S-League last Thursday, speculation has been rife over whether Etoile FC would take part in the competition this year.

According to sources, the French club are unhappy over the FAS' appointment of their former chairman for the new post.

Yesterday, FAS president Zainudin Nordin put his foot down when he finally addressed Etoile's possible move to sit out the 2012 season of the S-League.

Speaking to Today, he said: "There can be no more delay, Etoile have to make their decision by today (yesterday).

"Things have to move and we cannot wait anymore, it has to be today (yesterday)."

The French side became the first foreign team to lift the S-League title in their maiden year in the competition last year, when Gouttefangeas was chairman of the club.

But allegations of late salary payments, unpaid bonuses and a promise of a clubhouse that never materialised have affected his relationship with his countrymen.

Gouttefangeas left the club in June last year and was replaced by businessman Hicham Moudden.

The FAS unveiled new S-League CEO Lim Chin and his deputy Gouttefangeas last Friday, and at the time, Etoile indicated they would make a statement on Jan 9.

On Monday, the only word that came out of Queenstown Stadium was that the club would hold a press conference the following day, but 24 hours later, the club still failed to make their position clear.

Yesterday, Etoile general manager Laurent Panelli told Today: "At the moment we have nothing to declare, but as soon as we do, we will speak.

"We will make a decision by Friday."

Today understands that Etoile's players are due to return to Singapore on Sunday, but Guglielmo Arena will not return to coach the side.

With more sponsor announcements expected in the coming weeks, as well as a fixture draw for the 2012 S-League season pencilled in for next Tuesday, the clock is fast ticking down.

A revamped competition christened S-League version 2.0 is scheduled to kick-off on Feb 9, and the Etoile controversy is set to come to a head soon.

In an earlier interview with Today, Zainudin had said: "We will never allow the tail to wag the dog ... and we won't be cowed or threatened by anything. We will continue the league whatever happens."