January 28, 2004

It is not just the S-league title the Protectors & the Eagles are chasing, they are also clashing to fly with the Emirates.

The 2 S-League clubs are courting Emirates, the Middle East airline and main sponsors of English Premier League side Chelsea FC.

Stephen Chu, the Emirates area manager for Singapore and Brunei has indicated that the Emirates wished to continue their involvement in the S-league & both their proposals have been send to the head office in Dubai to decide.

Emirates have been co-sponsors of Home United for the last 3 seasons, pumping a total of $400,000 into the club.

Still they could fly with the Eagles when the new season kicks off in March as Emirates want to be sole title sponsor & at Home United, they are just co-sponsors, with Coca-Cola as main sponsors. With the soft drinks giant having signed a 3 year, $1-million deal with Home in 2002,only Geylang United offers that possibility to the Emirates.

But Emirates have been rather pleased with Home, who have won the league & Cup double last season & believed they are getting good mileage with the club.

The answer therefore to which club will fly with Emirates when the league start is still in the sky.