Some cheer for ex-Etoile players

Source

SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Labour Court has given Etoile FC seven days to pay its players salaries still owed to them.

A hearing took place at the MOM's Havelock Road headquarters yesterday, after the club's former employees submitted complaints against the 2010 S-League champion for unpaid salaries.

The MOM ruled that Etoile has a week from yesterday to pay seven former Etoile players and ex-assistant coach David Maubon up to S$7,400 each in unpaid salaries, stretching from November last year to January.

If Etoile does not make payment by the stipulated date, a writ of seizure and sale could be ordered. While the club does not have physical assets, its former players could agree on repayment by instalments or launch a civil suit against the French club.

The troubled club pulled out of this year's S-League competition due to financial issues and had said it would concentrate on youth development while trying to get back on an even keel.

Yesterday, club chairman Hicham Moudden did not refer to the deadline when he promised that all salaries will be fully paid within the next few months, and all debts cleared.

Mr Moudden said: "Today if we can't find a solution between the different parties involved, as a responsible businessman who has been running businesses for 16 years and has always paid my bills, I will clear the debts under my chairmanship within the next three months, if it requires me to inject personal money as I already have done.

"It has been a learning experience for me, I have done my duty and I would like to thank all the people who have supported me and the team in this adventure. It all started from a kid who loved football and now doesn't want to go to the stadium any more."