Firdaus Kasman of LionsXII suspended until further notice for breaching code of conduct

Statement issued by Football Association of Singapore

Singapore, Monday, February 6, 2012 — The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) have suspended LIONSXII’s midfielder, Firdaus Kasman, from all football activities with immediate effect for breaches of the provisions of the Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics.

According to Firdaus Kasman, his fiancé, his childhood friend and he had gone to Clarke Quay to have a belated birthday celebration on February 4th, 2012. He had some drinks and felt high, and also felt like vomiting. His childhood friend helped him to the toilet.

Before doing so, his childhood friend picked up a lady’s handbag thinking that it belonged to his fiancé. Unfortunately, it was not.

Firdaus and his childhood friend were detained by the police for investigation and that accounted for his absence from training on February 5th, 2012.

The police are continuing with their investigation and Firdaus denies any involvement in any offence.

FAS is of the unwavering view that the irresponsible conduct of Firdaus cannot be tolerated. There is absolutely no compromise for the exemplary conduct of players and officials who are contracted to FAS and playing for the LIONSXII team.

We will not hesitate to take appropriate action if any player is found guilty of breaching the team’s code of conduct. Firdaus will be suspended from all football activities for breaching LIONSXII Code of Conduct Section 1b, 1d and 8f until the FAS Disciplinary Committee convenes and its members deliberate on the matter and decide on the appropriate action to be taken.

We understand that Firdaus is now assisting the police in the investigation of an alleged offence and we will await the conclusion of the case. Firdaus has informed us that he is not involved in the alleged offence and he assured us that he will cooperate fully with the authorities during the investigation. However, should Firdaus be found guilty of the alleged offence, we will subsequently decide on what further action to be taken including termination of his contract.

As the police is investigating, it is inappropriate for FAS to make further comment on the matter.

However, FAS is suspending Firdaus on the ground that he had breached the Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics which, inter alia, specifically prohibits the consumption of alcohol at any time. The consumption of alcohol to the extent that his friend was required to assist him to the toilet was a conduct which brings negative publicity, embarrassment or disrepute to FAS and has tarnished and disparaged the image of Singapore.

The appropriate internal investigation will be carried out with a view to convene a Disciplinary Inquiry against Firdaus.

Said Firdaus: “I would like to apologise sincerely to the Football Association of Singapore, the coaches and players of the LionsXII, my fans, family and loved ones for breaching the Football Association of Singapore Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics for LionsXII players. I deeply regret my action and I will accept the punishment meted out by the FAS Disciplinary Committee.

“As for the alleged offence, the case is currently under investigation and I am unable to make any comment. I will however like to add that I did not engage in any act which constitutes an offence. I will cooperate fully with the authorities in this matter and I am confident that the true facts of the case will be established soon.”