FAS trying to recover S$90,000 from Etoile Disgruntled players call for FAS probe into 2012 subsidy disbursed to French club

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SINGAPORE - Struggling to pay the players and coaches, Etoile FC chairman Hicham Moudden asked the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) for money twice. But he was only successful the first time, receiving S$90,000.

The French club, backed by sports marketing company Michezo Group, received the money in the last week of November last year as part payment given in advance out of their 2012 subsidy entitlement.

FAS general secretary Winston Lee confirmed yesterday granting Etoile's request and told Today this is not the first time the association has helped clubs.

He added it was also disbursed in the belief Etoile would be among the 14 teams competing in the 2012 Great Eastern-Yeo's S-League, which kicks off tomorrow.

"Michezo stood guarantor for the money and they also showed us their plans and told us they had a sponsor for this year's S-League," said Mr Lee. "We are making plans to recover the subsidy."

But Today also understands that on Jan 2, Mr Moudden made a further demand of S$500,000 from the FAS, a pre-condition for Etoile to compete in the S-League this year.

He said it would be used to pay off the club's debts, with a commitment first to Michezo, of which the Moroccan-German businessman is also the chairman and founder.

If they quit, Mr Moudden added, they will keep the club and continue operating Etoile's centre of excellence and outreach programmes.

Their request was rejected by the FAS and in mid-January the club withdrew from the S-League.

The club's players are also fuming over the subsidy Etoile received and sent an email to the FAS on Monday, requesting an official enquiry into how the club spent the money. Mr Lee said the FAS is looking into the matter.

The 22 players, seven of whom remain in Singapore, and two coaches are still owed at least three months wages from November, estimated at around S$150,0000 in total, and were promised payment by Mr Moudden the moment the club received funds.

It has left their players here without employment and struggling to get by with the help of friends. They said they have a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Manpower this week.

With only S$40 left in his pocket and skipping meals to stretch it for as long as possible, the erstwhile assistant coach of the club, Mr David Moubon, is a bitter man.

He is also without an air ticket to return home to France and told Today: "I am having sleepless nights. Hicham and Michezo made a lot of promises and they have stopped answering our calls. I trusted them but now I feel stupid."

Michezo also sponsored Tanjong Pagar last season but has yet to pay a significant amount of the S$250,000 promised to the club.

In December it also organised a tennis exhibition featuring top-ranked women players including Samantha Stosur and Agnieszka Radwanska but it failed to pull in the crowds.