FLOOD LOSES APPEAL OVER BALI DEBACLE
WILLO FLOOD has lost an appeal to overturn a visa ban in Indonesia which has prevented him signing for Bali United. The former Dundee United, Aberdeen and Celtic midfielder was stunned this week when he was informed he doesn’t qualify to play in their Liga 1 set-up because of restrictions on foreigners. Flood quit Dunfermline after just nine days at East End Park to sign for Bali and spent three days there before the Indonesian football authorities dropped their bombshell on him. To gain a permit, Flood would had to have played in a top-flight league with his previous employers, but both Dundee United and Dunfermline are in the second tier. Bali launched an appeal to overturn the decision, but their chief executive, Yabes Tanuri, revealed it has been unsuccessful. He said: ‘Willo Flood signed a contract for six months for us on the basis he would be registered to play in the league. ‘Unfortunately, we were informed he does not qualify for the work permit he needs as a foreign player. ‘We appealed the decision but that, too, has been rejected. ‘It’s extremely unfortunate for both Willo and ourselves, but we have to respect the decision and we wish him all the best for the future.’