Flood’s move to Bali United over before a ball is kicked
Willo Flood’s move to Indonesia has collapsed because of red tape just three days after he signed after he’d earlier quit a nine-day stint at Dunfermline to move to Bali United.
The former Dundee United and Aberdeen midfielder walked out of East End Park after just over a week because of a clause in his contract that allowed him to move abroad, despite the 33-year-old having signed a one-year deal.
He was unveiled by ambitious Bali United, who even produced a video when the Irish terrier signed with a nod to his final moments as a United player against Livingston in the Premiership play-off, after which he shoved a camera out of his face before marching down the tunnel.
Flood then stated: “That was my past, this is my future – I can’t wait to get started.”
However, his move has now been cancelled because of 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.
But that’s come as a surprise to Bali United, who were stunned after being informed of Flood’s ineligibility.
Their manager, Widodo Cahyono Putro, said: “Will 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.”