Long wait for Etoile clubhouse may be over

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SINGAPORE - It was proposed even before they became the first foreign side to win the S-League in November last year - a 30,000 sq ft facility at Queenstown Stadium featuring a restaurant, gym, a sports bar and roof-top astroturf pitches for small-sided football games.

Now, it appears there is finally progress on French outfit Etoile FC's proposed clubhouse.

Etoile chairman Hicham Moudden and representatives from the Football Association of Singapore met yesterday with Singapore Sports Council (SSC) officials to finalise details on the clubhouse lease.

Clutching the letters of acceptance and approval when he emerged from the meeting at SSC headquarters in Kallang, Moudden said: "We're just looking over the contract details and hope to sign the lease by the end of this month.

"Once we have everything ready we will make an announcement ... and we aim to start renovations before the start of the 2012 season."

SSC deputy director, leasing, marketing and business development Vincent Chia said the deal was not yet sealed.

He said: "SSC offered Etoile a three-year lease for their clubhouse at Queenstown Stadium. The offer includes an option to renew the lease every three years up to a maximum of two renewals.

"Etoile is reviewing the tenancy agreement and will advise SSC when they are ready to commence the lease."

Meanwhile, the SSC have requested Etoile's chairman to provide updates, if any, on the business plan that was submitted previously." SHAMIR OSMAN