Tampines Rovers chairman Krishna Ramachandra says the Stags are ready to welcome back Singapore international Hafiz Abu Sujad, who has been left in a limbo after his Thai Premier League second tier side Big Bang Chula United decided to withdraw from the local league midway through the season, last month.
Hafiz was informed of the club's decision on 27 April and he has not trained with the club ever since. BBCU's match on 29 April against Songkhla United was also cancelled and the Football Association of Thailand is expected to meet the club soon to figure out the next step.
Notably, Hafiz, who was nominated for 2016 S.League Player of the Year Award, signed a one-year contract with BBCU in January after making the move from Tampines. The 26-year-old wingback is gutted at his current situation as his wife had also joined him in Thailand after she quit her job as stewardess.
"We have always been supportive of Hafiz's professional development and continue to be. He is always welcome to join us back anytime if a suitable alternative overseas club is not available," Ramachandra said, as quoted by Today.
"He is a real talent and such players must get all the support (possible) from Singapore. I like him as a player and even more as an individual. He will do well wherever he is at."
With international friendlies against Argentina and Myanmar and the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Chinese Taipei lined-up in June, Hafiz is fretting losing his spot in V Sundramoorthy's Lions squad because of lack of match practice. Despite all the confusion, the former Tampines star has returned to Singapore to train with the national team.
The Singapore international is also unable to negotiate with any other club at the moment as he is still contracted to BBCU and the club needs to resolve the situation for him to look at available options.
"I sought permission from the BBCU team manager to come back and train here. If it is confirmed that they have pulled out, I will need to go back there [Bangkok] and settle everything, such as the compensation," Hafiz said.
"At the same time, of course I am trying to look for a club, in Thailand and in Singapore, but ... I cannot commit to any club right now because I am still part of BBCU."
