Flood’s Indonesian dream over as red tape ends Bali transfer

One of the transfer stories of the summer has taken another twist, with Willo Flood’s move to Bali understood to have collapsed.

The former Dundee United man signed for Dunfermline, only to quit just over a week later when a switch to Indonesia opened up for him.

Now red tape looks like ending his stint at Bali United before it had begun, and Flood could be heading back to East End Park.

The 33-year-old’s move has been cancelled because of the restrictions on foreign players in Indonesia’s Liga 1.

The Indonesian Football Association’s newly introduced rules state that only four foreign players can play in their league – and they must have played in their previous country’s top league to gain a work permit.

Because Flood was playing for the Tannadice side in Scotland’s Championship, the league was not deemed strong enough to give Flood the required permit.

Their manager, Widodo Cahyono Putro, said: “Willo Flood’s contract has been cancelled because of the regulations restricting foreign players in Liga 1.

“Because he played in a league in Scotland that wasn’t their top league, we have been informed he does not meet the criteria.

“The management of Bali United is currently asking for clarification on this, but it’s obviously a massive disappointment for us and the player.”

Dunfermline had left the door open for a return but have signed James Vincent on loan since Flood left.

Flood made more than 200 appearances for United during three separate spells at Tannadice and has also played for Celtic and Aberdeen.

Willo Flood’s transfer to Bali United has collapsed.