Dover boss Jake Leberl is refusing “to make a big song and dance” over some of his players getting involved in a new six-a-side tournament - despite failing to speak to him before they signed up to it.

Whites’ skipper Ruben Soares-Junior, fellow forward Francis Mampolo and midfielder Alfie Matthews are scheduled to be involved in the first UK season of The Baller League.

Having began in Germany, The Baller League, created by entrepreneur Felix Starck and aided by German internationals Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski, will kick-off at London’s Copper Box Arena tonight.

Legendary Portugal midfielder Luis Figo and Arsenal fans’ favourites Jens Lehmann, Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg, as well as ex-England internationals Gary Lineker, Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards and John Terry, will be among the managers of the 12 teams.

It has also attracted players such as ex-Ebbsfleet and Liverpool forward Jordon Ibe and midfielder Bakary Sako, a Mali international who played in the Premier League, to get involved, as well as midfielder Kadell Daniel.

Daniel plays for AFC Croydon, but counts Dover, Folkestone and Margate among his old clubs.

The first UK season of The Baller League coincides with the business end of the English football season as Isthmian Premier Dover aim to earn promotion through the play-offs.

Asked if Soares-Junior, Mampolo or Matthews had asked permission to play in the competition, Leberl replied: “They didn’t, which was disappointing.

“I have told them that. They have all come up with excuses, but they also know we don’t have excuses at this football club.

“I’m not going to make a big song and dance over it. The decision has been made and I wish them all the best.

“The three of them are fantastic players and it puts them in the shop window to progress their careers.

“We have given them a platform, all three of them have had half-decent seasons and, hopefully, they can continue on the journey with us for the rest of the season and get us where we want to go.”

But with players able to earn a fee of £400 per game, Leberl can understand why Dover’s trio want to play.

He admitted: “It really is a difficult one.

“Obviously, these boys are only on very small contracts here and their contracts are up at the end of the season. Personally, I’m not happy with it - but lots of managers are in the same boat.

“All of the boys have been brilliant, those three have been brilliant, and I’d rather they weren’t in it. But they have decided to make that decision, which is what it is.

“I won’t let it affect my judgement.

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“Hopefully, it won’t impact our season.”

Matthews, part of MVPs United, said: “I’m managed by Alisha Lehmann and Maya Jama.

“It’s an opportunity to keep myself ticking over and, also, it’s an opportunity for me to showcase myself on live TV. But also to showcase what Dover players are about.”

And the 23-year-old insists his role at Dover remains his top priority.

“I’ve already said to them that my full focus is the now and the future for Dover Athletic,” he said. “I’ve said I’m committed.

“If there are any problems, obviously, we’ll have to speak behind closed doors.”

While Matthews has been plying his trade at Crabble this term, he is a former Arsenal youth-team player and an England under-16 international.

He added: “Everyone has a past and, obviously, mine is a prestigious one.

“As long as I’m fully focused on my 11-a-side stuff with Dover, everything else will come into place.”

Playing in The Baller League will also see a change in format from 11-a-side to six-a-side football for Matthews, Soares-Junior and Mampolo.

Matthews said: “I believe in my technical ability and my mindset that I can play both but, obviously, 11-a-side is my bread and butter.”

Leberl hasn’t ruled out keeping an eye on his players as they do battle on live TV despite his disappointment at their involvement in the tournament.

“If I’m about and at a loose end, I might watch it,” he stated.

“Mampolo will be the best!”

Mampolo will play for Deportrio - where he will be managed by Shearer, Lineker and Richards - with Soares-Junior representing a Wembley Rangers outfit that will be led by Arsenal and England legend Wright and England Lioness Chloe Kelly.