<cite nodeindex="1">By Channel NewsAsia, </cite>Updated: 06/01/2012
Football: Etoile FC cry foul over Gouttefangeas
Johan Gouttefangeas (TODAY File Photo)
SINGAPORE: He led the first European side into the S—League in 2010, and in a remarkable feat, Johan Gouttefangeas went on to make history when he became the first chairman of a foreign team to win the competition, when French outfit Etoile FC lifted the title in their first year here.
While there were many highs, the Frenchman was also dogged by controversy.
There was a falling out with partners and accusations of late salary payments and unpaid bonuses by Etoile players. The promise of a clubhouse never materialised and the raising of ticket prices to S$10 at Queenstown Stadium was criticised.
Gouttefangeas, a businessman, left Etoile abruptly on June 24 last year, but he is set to return to the S—League in a move that have raised the hackles of the French club.
According to sources, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) are expected to name former SAFFC chairman Lim Chin as the S—League’s new chief executive officer on Friday, with Gouttefangeas, who is in his early thirties, coming on board as the deputy chief executive officer.
Etoile are set to protest against the new appointment, with sources revealing the club may go as far as to sit out the coming season.
When contacted on Thursday, Etoile general manager Laurent Panelli only said: "We will not make any comments until things are made official."
FAS president Zainudin Nordin has vowed to stand his ground. He told TODAY: "We will never allow the tail to wag the dog. The league has better value now, we are in a better position than we have been and we won’t be cowed or threatened by anything. We will continue the league whatever happens."
TODAY understands that Etoile representatives have met FAS officials to express their misgivings about Gouttefangeas’ impending appointment.
Etoile representatives will be present at the announcement at Jalan Besar Stadium today.
Sources have revealed that the 2012 S—League season will kick off on Feb 9 with 14 teams (Brunei’s DPMM FC and Malaysia’s Young Tigers are new clubs in the competition) and should Etoile withdraw from the competition it will go ahead with 13 teams.
Gouttefangeas effectively disbanded his 2010 championship—winning Etoile outfit, retaining only five players and bringing in a new coach.
His exit last June came when the club were embroiled in disciplinary issues over their part in a pre—match fracas that saw the Hougang United—Etoile fixture abandoned before kick—off on May 23.
Another businessman, Hicham Moudden, took over as chairman of the club.
At the time, Zainudin lauded the efforts of Gouttefangeas, saying: "We would like to express our appreciation to Gouttefangeas for his contributions to Singapore football. I am glad to note that Johan will continue to be active in the local football scene." —
TODAY
Football: Etoile FC cry foul over Gouttefangeas
Johan Gouttefangeas (TODAY File Photo)
SINGAPORE: He led the first European side into the S—League in 2010, and in a remarkable feat, Johan Gouttefangeas went on to make history when he became the first chairman of a foreign team to win the competition, when French outfit Etoile FC lifted the title in their first year here.
While there were many highs, the Frenchman was also dogged by controversy.
There was a falling out with partners and accusations of late salary payments and unpaid bonuses by Etoile players. The promise of a clubhouse never materialised and the raising of ticket prices to S$10 at Queenstown Stadium was criticised.
Gouttefangeas, a businessman, left Etoile abruptly on June 24 last year, but he is set to return to the S—League in a move that have raised the hackles of the French club.
According to sources, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) are expected to name former SAFFC chairman Lim Chin as the S—League’s new chief executive officer on Friday, with Gouttefangeas, who is in his early thirties, coming on board as the deputy chief executive officer.
Etoile are set to protest against the new appointment, with sources revealing the club may go as far as to sit out the coming season.
When contacted on Thursday, Etoile general manager Laurent Panelli only said: "We will not make any comments until things are made official."
FAS president Zainudin Nordin has vowed to stand his ground. He told TODAY: "We will never allow the tail to wag the dog. The league has better value now, we are in a better position than we have been and we won’t be cowed or threatened by anything. We will continue the league whatever happens."
TODAY understands that Etoile representatives have met FAS officials to express their misgivings about Gouttefangeas’ impending appointment.
Etoile representatives will be present at the announcement at Jalan Besar Stadium today.
Sources have revealed that the 2012 S—League season will kick off on Feb 9 with 14 teams (Brunei’s DPMM FC and Malaysia’s Young Tigers are new clubs in the competition) and should Etoile withdraw from the competition it will go ahead with 13 teams.
Gouttefangeas effectively disbanded his 2010 championship—winning Etoile outfit, retaining only five players and bringing in a new coach.
His exit last June came when the club were embroiled in disciplinary issues over their part in a pre—match fracas that saw the Hougang United—Etoile fixture abandoned before kick—off on May 23.
Another businessman, Hicham Moudden, took over as chairman of the club.
At the time, Zainudin lauded the efforts of Gouttefangeas, saying: "We would like to express our appreciation to Gouttefangeas for his contributions to Singapore football. I am glad to note that Johan will continue to be active in the local football scene." —
TODAY
