Treat LionsXII like adults

I HAVE mixed sentiments after reading the report "LionsXII to earn bigger bonuses" (The New Paper, April 6).

While I applaud the professionalism and spirit of the LionsXII players who have remained disciplined and focused on their job even though they were owed their bonuses for February, I cannot say the same for our football administrators.

It is absurd to claim that the delay in the bonus payment was simply due to the management's decision to provide "special performance bonuses".

Did our administrators realise that most of these players have financial commitments to fulfil at the end of every month?

Respect

Were the players even consulted on whether they would prefer to receive their normal bonuses in full and as scheduled rather than to wait for a "larger" amount two months later?

Our players deserve to be treated as adults, and with respect and dignity, and there is no reason to withhold their normal bonuses as promised to them without informing them.

That the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) officials did not bother to inform the players speaks volumes of their professionalism and ethics.

In recent weeks, several football fans and observers have questioned the professionalism of FAS officials, and I urge our administrators to take their work seriously.

I believe I speak for many when I state that it is time for our football officials to shape up or ship out.

From reader Gidania Ong

This article was first published in The New Paper.