Taiwan’s chances of recording good results in next week’s East Asian Cup qualifiers were dealt a big blow this week when Taiwanese-Belgian player Xavier Chen announced he would not play due to various unresolved issues and differences of opinion with the nation’s soccer association.
With 10 years experience in Belgium’s top division, Chen is looked upon as the great hope for Taiwan to achieve success at major international tournaments.
However, Chen announced his decision not to play on Facebook on Thursday.
Photo: Lin Tsung-wei, Taipei Times
“Tonight, I report to my friends and to the fans that I took my decision to miss this EAFF [East Asian Football Federation] tournament and I’ve informed [the] football association so,” he wrote, adding that some officials did not respect Taiwan players’ basic rights.
On the up side for fans and the national team, Chen also outlined another three points.
“(A) I promise to play for World Cup Qualifiers next year. (B) From now on, I will find sponsors [of] my own for my pay [1,000 euros (US$1,240) per game], instead of CTFA [Chinese Taipei Football Association]. Permit me to say that I am deeply moved by the great support from Lu and friends on the Internet. However, I will never take a dime since I have received so much love from you. (C) Same as my teammates, our shared aspiration is to have a team with international competitiveness. The goal gives us an extra boost; I will keep looking for good Taiwanese players overseas to make it happen,” he wrote.
The dispute stems from Chen’s unresolved issues with top officials in charge of the nation’s soccer association.
Chen said he signed a memorandum of understanding with former president Lu Kun-shan in 2011 and alluded to the fact that officials are not honoring the terms of that agreement.
According to reports, the agreement was for a 1,000 euros per match appearance fee, along with flight tickets for Chen’s travel.
Questioned by reporters yesterday, soccer association secretary-general Chiu Yi-wen said: “We pay all expenses for travel and accommodation for all members of the national team, but to be fair to everyone we cannot provide an appearance fee only for Xavier Chen and not for the others. We should not make an exception just for him,”
However, Chiu left the door open for Chen’s return to the squad.
“We will continue to negotiate with Chen and his agent. He is welcome to play for Taiwan at anytime,” Chiu said.
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